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British lovers are allowing technology to get in the way of their relationships and sex lives – a Durex survey reveals

Durex Survey Reveals Shocking Statistics:

This is a global wake-up call from Durex. It’s time for tech lovers to switch off and reconnect for Earth Hour 2014. On March 29th at 8.30pm we will #TurnOffToTurnOn Watch the video and then join our movement… We believe nothing should get in the way of great sex. So let’s log off and switch off. Escape the screen to embrace the dark. See less to feel more. Together we will #TurnOffToTurnOn Share this with a partner to spread the word. #TurnOffToTurnOn

  • One in six of us have answered the phone or read a text during sex
  • More than five per cent of people have even checked Facebook during sex!
  • Nearly a third  think technology gets in the way of their sex life
  • 40 per cent believe that tech is adversely affecting their relationship
  • 60 per cent of us spend more time using technology in bed than having sex.
  • Watch the video

London, 19 March 2014: British lovers are allowing technology to get in the way of their relationships and sex lives – a Durex survey reveals.

Durex is celebrating annual event, Earth Hour,@earthhour by encouraging people to not only turn off all lights on 29 March but to also switch off their tech, and use the opportunity to reconnect with each other whilst the lights are off.

Earth Hour #EarthHour is an annual event organised by charity, WWF to encourage people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to celebrate their commitment to the planet.

According to the recent poll of 2,000 men and women it seems a significant number of significant others are being sidelined in favour of technology.

Over 15 per cent of respondents (17 per cent of men) admitted to answering their phone or reading a text message during sex, a figure that rises to 20 per cent among Londoners.  A shocking 5 per cent admitted that they had even checked Facebook whilst making love; Londoners being the worst offenders and men being twice as likely to make the social media faux pas, as women (8 per cent vs 4 per cent).

It also seems that our infatuation with the world of tech could be damaging our relationships in the real world. 30 per cent of respondents said that their partner had been distracted by some sort of tech device whilst they were getting intimate, nearly three in ten believing that it gets in the way of their sex life and 40 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing that it has a negative effect on their relationship.  60 per cent also admitted that they actually spend more time using technology while in bed with their partner than actually having sex.

However, maybe unsurprisingly, it seems that this addiction to tech is affecting younger people more than their older counterparts with over half of 18-24 year olds believing that tech is adversely affecting their relationship compared with only a quarter of over 55s.

Sex and Relationship expert, Susan Quilliam, said: “Many people find love through dating websites or social media – but it’s a worrying trend that many are also feeling gradually ousted in their relationships in favour of interaction online.

“There is, of course, a great place for technology in our lives but habitual use and reliance on our gadgets can lead to bad habits in relationships.  Durex’s film is a great reminder that we need to take time out to get up close and intimate with our lovers, and reconnect with their needs face-to-face.

Ukonwa Ojo, Global Marketing Manager said:  “Durex believes nothing should get in the way of great sex but our growing obsession with phones, laptops, TVs and Tablets isn’t bringing us closer together, it’s pushing us apart. So, this Earth Hour let’s log off and switch off; use it as an excuse to swap our laptops for some loving and ditch our phones to enjoy some foreplay. Let’s turn off to turn on!

As a call to action, Durex is releasing a short film which follows the stories of several couples who, like most of us, have become seduced by the lure of a screen and encourages people to make the most of Earth Hour by reconnecting whilst the lights are off.   It can be viewed on YouTube from 19 March #turnofftoturnon

This film is a passionate plea; escape the screen and embrace the physical. This Earth Hour it’s time to reconnect with each other and turn off to turn on.

The survey was carried out on 28 February 2014 with 2,000 participants by market researchers www.onepoll.com. Earth Hour is on 29 March 2014 between 8:30 – 9:30PM earthhour.org

For further information on the film please contact:

Jessica Thomas, 0208939 2461, Jessica.thomas@virgohealth.com

About Durex

Durex® is the #1 sexual wellbeing brand worldwide. The brand not only produces condoms which exceeds global testing standards, but also offers pleasure gels, lubricants and personal massagers. With over 80 years of experience in the bedroom, Durex is dedicated to inspiring lovers to love sex safely. That is why Durex will never stop innovating with new products that enhance the sexual experience, helping couples get closer and go further together.

For more information, go to www.Durex.com.