'Voice notes' are dividing Britain: Gen Z love them… but Boomers HATE them
Research from mobile network operator Talkmobile – who believe conversation is the best communication – reveals a growing trend towards sending audio clips over WhatsApp.
The feature was introduced in 2013, and the Meta-owned platform estimates some seven billion voice notes are sent worldwide every day.
The Talkmobile study reveals Gen Z - the UK's youngest generation of adults aged 18 to 27 – are the most prolific voice note senders, with nearly eight in 10 (79%) saying they are regular users.
Gen Z send an average of 23 voice notes a week, more than three a day. Their main reason for recording audio clips – according to half (48%) of youngsters polled, is they 'save time'.
Four in 10 Gen Z Brits prefer voice notes because they are 'easier than typing out a message' (40%) while a third (37%) say they simply 'can't be bothered' to text.
Meanwhile, Britain's post-war 'Baby Boom' generation – aged 60 to 78 – are the least likely to send an audio clip of themselves, with fewer than two in 10 (18%) using the feature.
A quarter (25%) of Boomers believe voice notes are 'a waste of their time' while two in 10 (19%) 'can't stand them', adding 'if you can't be bothered to text, don't send a voice note'.
Gen Z - the UK's youngest generation of adults aged 18 to 27 – are the most prolific voice note senders, with nearly eight in 10 (79%) saying they are regular users. Meanwhile, of Britain's post-war 'Baby Boom' generation – aged 60 to 78 – fewer than two in 10 (18%) use the feature
One in 10 Boomers also fumed they can 'read a text in seconds, but instead I have to listen to you waffling on in a voice note'.
The older the mobile user, the less likely they are to send a voice note, according to the survey of 2,000 Brits.
On average, Boomers send just one voice note per week, Gen X send around one a day and Millennials fire off around 17 every week, or just over two per day.
Over half of Brits (57%) are regular voice note senders, with women (65%) – who send an average of 16 per week - being the bigger users than men (48%), who fire-off 13 per week.
The biggest reason for sending voice notes is that they 'save time', according to four in 10 (42%) Brits, while three in 10 (32%) say it's 'easier than typing out a message'.
Gen Z send the longest voice notes, averaging 12 minutes. The length of clip decreases as users get older, with Boomers recording the shortest audio, at around two minutes.
And, four in 10 (41%) Boomers admit they 'never listen to the end' of a voice note, compared to around four in 10 (39%) Gen Z who 'always' listen to the full clip.
Talkmobile who offer among the best SIM-only deals and have an industry-leading customer-rated Trustpilot score of 4.7 are committed to giving UK customers a straightforward mobile service with great prices and great coverage.
Gen Z send the longest voice notes, averaging 12 minutes. The length of clip decreases as users get older, with Boomers recording the shortest audio, at around two minutes
The mobile network operator prides itself in answering customer service calls in 20 seconds and solving any issues promptly.
A Talkmobile spokesman said: 'To voice note or not to voice note, that is the question.
'At Talkmobile, we believe conversation is the best form of communication because it connects people in real-time.
'No need to text or send a voice note then await a reply – our advisors jump straight onto solving any issue, meaning customers can soon get back on with their day.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Nudifying apps are not 'a bit of fun' - they are seriously harmful and their existence is a scandal writes Children's Commissioner RACHEL DE SOUZA
I am horrified that children are growing up in a world where anyone can take a photo of them and digitally remove their clothes. They are growing up in a world where anyone can download the building blocks to develop an AI tool, which can create naked photos of real people. It will soon be illegal to use these building blocks in this way, but they will remain for sale by some of the biggest technology companies meaning they are still open to be misused. Earlier this year I published research looking at the existence of these apps that use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to create fake sexually explicit images through prompts from users. The report exposed the shocking underworld of deepfakes: it highlighted that nearly all deepfakes in circulation are pornographic in nature, and 99% of them feature girls or women – often because the apps are specifically trained to work on female bodies. In the past four years as Children's Commissioner, I have heard from a million children about their lives, their aspirations and their worries. Of all the worrying trends in online activity children have spoken to me about – from seeing hardcore porn on X to cosmetics and vapes being advertised to them through TikTok – the evolution of 'nudifying' apps to become tools that aid in the abuse and exploitation of children is perhaps the most mind-boggling. As one 16-year-old girl asked me: 'Do you know what the purpose of deepfake is? Because I don't see any positives.' Children, especially girls, are growing up fearing that a smartphone might at any point be used as a way of manipulating them. Girls tell me they're taking steps to keep themselves safe online in the same way we have come to expect in real life, like not walking home alone at night. For boys, the risks are different but equally harmful: studies have identified online communities of teenage boys sharing dangerous material are an emerging threat to radicalisation and extremism. The government is rightly taking some welcome steps to limit the dangers of AI. Through its Crime and Policing Bill, it will become illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to create child sexual abuse material. And the introduction of the Online Safety Act – and new regulations by Ofcom to protect children – marks a moment for optimism that real change is possible. But what children have told me, from their own experiences, is that we must go much further and faster. The way AI apps are developed is shrouded in secrecy. There is no oversight, no testing of whether they can be used for illegal purposes, no consideration of the inadvertent risks to younger users. That must change. Nudifying apps should simply not be allowed to exist. It should not be possible for an app to generate a sexual image of a child, whether or not that was its designed intent. The technology used by these tools to create sexually explicit images is complex. It is designed to distort reality, to fixate and fascinate the user – and it confronts children with concepts they cannot yet understand. I should not have to tell the government to bring in protections for children to stop these building blocks from being arranged in this way. Posts on LinkedIn have even appeared promoting the 'best' nudifying AI tools available I welcome the move to criminalise individuals for creating child sexual abuse image generators but urge the government to move the tools that would allow predators to create sexually explicit deepfake images out of reach altogether. To do this, I have asked the government to require technology companies who provide opensource AI models – the building blocks of AI tools – to test their products for their capacity to be used for illegal and harmful activity. These are all things children have told me they want. They will help stop sexual imagery involving children becoming normalised. And they will make a significant effort in meeting the government's admirable mission to halve violence against women and girls, who are almost exclusively the subjects of these sexual deepfakes. Harms to children online are not inevitable. We cannot shrug our shoulders in defeat and claim it's impossible to remove the risks from evolving technology. We cannot dismiss it this growing online threat as a 'classroom problem' – because evidence from my survey of school and college leaders shows that the vast majority already restrict phone use: 90% of secondary schools and 99.8% of primary schools. Yet, despite those restrictions, in the same survey of around 19,000 school leaders, they told me online safety is among the most pressing issue facing children in their communities. For them, it is children's access to screens in the hours outside of school that worries them the most. Education is only part of the solution. The challenge begins at home. We must not outsource parenting to our schools and teachers. As parents it can feel overwhelming to try and navigate the same technology as our children. How do we enforce boundaries on things that move too quickly for us to follow? But that's exactly what children have told me they want from their parents: limitations, rules and protection from falling down a rabbit hole of scrolling. Two years ago, I brought together teenagers and young adults to ask, if they could turn back the clock, what advice they wished they had been given before owning a phone. Invariably those 16-21-year-olds agreed they had all been given a phone too young. They also told me they wished their parents had talked to them about the things they saw online – not just as a one off, but regularly, openly, and without stigma. Later this year I'll be repeating that piece of work to produce new guidance for parents – because they deserve to feel confident setting boundaries on phone use, even when it's far outside their comfort zone. I want them to feel empowered to make decisions for their own families, whether that's not allowing their child to have an internet-enabled phone too young, enforcing screen-time limits while at home, or insisting on keeping phones downstairs and out of bedrooms overnight. Parents also deserve to be confident that the companies behind the technology on our children's screens are playing their part. Just last month, new regulations by Ofcom came into force, through the Online Safety Act, that will mean tech companies must now to identify and tackle the risks to children on their platforms – or face consequences. This is long overdue, because for too long tech developers have been allowed to turn a blind eye to the risks to young users on their platforms – even as children tell them what they are seeing. If these regulations are to remain effective and fit for the future, they have to keep pace with emerging technology – nothing can be too hard to tackle. The government has the opportunity to bring in AI product testing against illegal and harmful activity in the AI Bill, which I urge the government to introduce in the coming parliamentary session. It will rightly make technology companies responsible for their tools being used for illegal purposes. We owe it to our children, and the generations of children to come, to stop these harms in their tracks. Nudifying apps must never be accepted as just another restriction placed on our children's freedom, or one more risk to their mental wellbeing. They have no value in a society where we value the safety and sanctity of childhood or family life.
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Rimac Reveals Bugatti Tourbillon And Nevera Secrets As Testing Ramps Up
Mate Rimac Reveals Bugatti & Rimac Secrets The Bugatti Tourbillon is deep into its development and testing phases, with numerous prototypes being tested in various conditions around the world. As it draws nearer, Top Gear got the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming hypercar from Bugatti-Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, who gave the publication a tour of the massive facility where Tourbillon prototypes are being built (the production cars will be made in Molsheim, of course) and Neveras are prepared for their customers. Along with recapping and elaborating on many of the Tourbillon's neat innovations and design elements, Mr. Rimac also revealed some interesting details that would not be found in a press release, including the fact that the Nevera shares only a single part with another vehicle and that the electric hypercar almost formed the basis of the Tourbillon. How The Rimac-Based Bugatti Would Have Come To Life Source: Bradley Iger/Autoblog Mate explains that before he was directly involved with Bugatti, initial ideas included using most of the Nevera to form the basis of a new hybrid hypercar. Rimac imagined using the entire front half of the car, carrying over important elements like the dual electric motors and the steering system, cooling components, brakes, and crash structure. The battery of the Nevera would also have been retained, and then aft of the passenger compartment, a V16 would have been mated to the package. This was passed on for several reasons, but the simplest way to describe why this simpler route was not taken is with the word compromise. Not only would the dynamics of the Bugatti have been jeopardized, but the value of the brand would have been diminished, too. As Rimac succinctly said when referring to innovations like the speaker-free audio system in the cabin: 'If we [Bugatti] don't do it, who will?' In other words, Bugatti exists to set standards, not follow trends or take shortcuts, and although collaboration is okay – see the Tourbillon's Rimac-designed-and-made battery and Czinger/Divergent-sourced 3D-printed suspension – everything on a Bugatti must still be specific to the bespoke. Audi R8 Parts In A World-Beating Hypercar In the video embedded at the bottom of this article, TG's Oliie Kew notes, while looking at a naked Rimac Nevera R monocoque, that every component bears a Rimac stamp. Mate proudly says that the 'only component' shared with another car is the HVAC box from an Audi R8, and even that has been modified. Doing everything in-house must be expensive, and it is – Mate says that the Nevera project cost the team over €150 million, or around $173 million. Naturally, the conversation gravitated towards the disappointing sales figures of the hypercar, and although Mate concedes that the Nevera didn't sell out of all 150 units, he calls it 'the most successful electric sports car,' saying the company has 'sold most of them,' though an exact figure was not revealed. According to Bloomberg, Rimac has sold 50 cars as of July 2025. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Bugatti Tourbillon Technology Coming To Everyday Cars Source: Bugatti During the tour, Mate often noted that battery packs and other components are being developed and produced for automakers that do not always wish to be named, and one example of that is highlighted around the half-hour mark, when Mate reveals that the front electric powertrain of the Tourbillon, which was developed specifically for the hypercar, has been repurposed as a rear-mounted electric motor for an unnamed upcoming SUV and sedan pairing. By developing the tech for hypercars first, the most costly research & development processes are already paid for, making the large-scale democratization of high-density energy storage and ultra-efficient motors cost-effective. In summary, the Nevera may have been a commercial failure in some ways, but it formed the foundation of the Rimac Technologies design and manufacturing juggernaut, served as a cautionary tale for Bugatti and others, and reset the bar for hypercar performance. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Your EV Battery Is Spying on You: MIT Research Uncovers Hidden Location & Privacy Threats
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Vince McMahon, former WWE boss, has been cited for reckless driving after crashing his Bentley Continental GT Speed into a BMW on a Connecticut parkway. No one was seriously hurt, but all three vehicles were towed. The incident adds to McMahon's mounting legal woes. A rare Prodrive P25 that originally sold for around $600,000 is now listed for nearly $1 million in the UK. View post: Spending $600,000 On The Most Expensive Subaru Ever Was A Great Investment There's a niche demand for a truck smaller than the Tacoma in the US. Toyota's still looking into it. This special example of the Ruf CTR 'Yellowbird' is a heavily personalized example with a very interesting backstory. Think your shiny new electric vehicle keeps your secrets safe? Think again. Researchers from MIT recently proved that the innocent-looking battery gauge on your dashboard can betray your personal details to anyone tech-savvy enough to look. Simply put, the way your EV uses power isn't just about range anxiety — it's broadcasting your location and driving habits in surprising detail. This on top of the discovered cyber risks I detailed in previous articles. 0:01 / 0:09 Another Chinese automaker is taking the fight to Tesla Watch More How Battery Power Patterns Betray Drivers MIT researchers demonstrated how a seemingly harmless detail — battery power consumption — could expose sensitive data. They monitored electricity draw from batteries and linked specific consumption patterns to routes, speeds, and even driver identities. Turns out, every driver's habits create unique 'fingerprints' in power consumption. It's as if your battery is dropping digital breadcrumbs wherever you go. This revelation isn't trivial. Unlike your smartphone, you can't simply install antivirus software on your car battery. And unlike a Tesla's touchscreen, battery data isn't password-protected. Anyone with basic hacking tools could, in theory, use this data to pinpoint your commute, figure out where you live, or even track your kids' school drop-offs. Who Can Exploit This Data? According to the researchers, primarily, skilled hackers pose the greatest threat. They can intercept battery data to track your driving patterns, habits, and locations, potentially leading to identity theft, stalking, or burglary. Additionally, government agencies or law enforcement (if that behavior worries you) might exploit battery data for surveillance or tracking purposes, often without explicit consent. Automakers also collect detailed battery performance data, but vulnerabilities mean unauthorized third parties could access this data, either maliciously or commercially. As vehicles become increasingly connected to mobile apps and Wi-Fi networks, these connections present another potential vulnerability point for data interception. How Is the Data Captured? Hackers primarily use indirect methods known as side-channel attacks. These attacks analyze subtle patterns in battery power consumption, allowing them to decipher specific routes and driving habits. Public charging stations or compromised home chargers provide attack vectors and can log your battery's energy patterns, potentially providing a way for unauthorized monitoring. Real-World Privacy Implications Let's put that in context. Picture a typical day running errands. Researchers found your battery's unique consumption pattern could reveal that you hit Starbucks at 7:15 am, clock 15 freeway miles at 75 mph, and spend precisely 42 minutes parked at Target. And pick up your kids at their playgroup at 3.20pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That's creepy if you ask me. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. And how about longer trips? On road trips over 150 miles, distinct battery signatures pinpointed exact rest stops, hotel stays, and even recreational detours with astonishing precision. For privacy-conscious drivers, put mildly this raises some serious red flags. As for usability, modern EVs like Tesla's Model Y with a 75 kWh battery or Ford's Mustang Mach-E with 91 kWh packs aren't designed with this vulnerability in mind. Both vehicles boast impressive specs — Model Y hits 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds; Mach-E manages it in about 4.9 seconds. But, just like with public charger hacks and ransomware, neither maker – indeed no EV maker – yet addresses how battery power data could compromise your privacy. Cabin comforts and slick infotainment systems won't help here. Sure, the Mustang Mach-E's plush interior makes highway cruising effortless, and Tesla's minimalist cockpit is pretty and impresses tech fans, but none of that protects your privacy. The Verdict: A Real Issue or Just Tech Paranoia? Unfortunately, this isn't some theoretical scenario — it's real research from credible experts, revealing a vulnerability automakers haven't yet addressed. Should you toss your Model Y or Mach-E out of panic? No, but be aware. The MIT study makes it clear: battery data isn't just about mileage — it's a privacy leak waiting to happen. And, of course, this is only a matter for those who care about their privacy and don't like to be hacked, tracked, or spied on. Enthusiasts love EVs for their acceleration and tech-packed cabins. But this privacy flaw demands serious attention. Carmakers need to step up their game and close this loophole. Fast. Until then, remember: Big Brother might not be watching, but your battery just might be telling him where you are. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
