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Always ‘on’: most Dutch people are stressed by notifications on their mobile

The ‘Keep your mobile under control’ survey was conducted among 1094 Dutch people between 18 and 60 years old. It turns out that many people feel that they have to be constantly ‘on’ and react to everything. Mobile users are also afraid of missing out.


The endless notifications from group apps are the biggest stressors. Number two are push messages from apps that are rarely used. Many find the reports and ‘red balls’ even more stressful than having to catch a spider.

Troubled by ‘phantom reports’

Many Dutch people also suffer from so-called ‘phantom reports’: you think that a report is coming in, when this is not the case. This applies to 74 percent of the respondents. Only 26 percent are not bothered by these reports; the majority of these are over 50s.

In order to experience less stress, more than four in ten respondents would like to receive much fewer notifications and push notifications.


Stress sociologist Suzan Kuijsten says she recognizes these results. “Both from practice and personally. All those reports and the feeling that we can be reached anytime and anywhere or that we have to respond, activate the stress system. Our brain needs a rest every now and then.”

What can we learn from people over 50?

Kuijst therefore recommends taking a look at people over 50, because they more often take moments of rest from their phone. “For example, when they are waiting for the train or in line at the supermarket. Young people immediately grab their mobile at such moments.” Her advice is therefore to turn off certain reports. “Take a vacation from your phone more often. Even if it’s half an hour a day. Try it!”


Five Actions to Avoid Stress

1. Set to vibrate mode (sound off)

2. Set aside or out of sight

3. Turn off notifications from apps

4. Put in flight mode

5. Turn upside down

Source: ‘Keep your mobile under control’ research, PanelWizard


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