Millennials believe traditional manners are ‘outdated’ – according to a new study.
Researchers found that four in 10 refuse to give up their seats on public transport to pensioners or pregnant women.
The research found nearly a third (28%) of young adults would ignore ‘queue etiquette’ by cutting in line, and 53% don’t say ‘bless you’ when someone sneezes.
84% say traditional British politeness, such as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ or holding a door open, is simply old fashioned.
The research by insurance firm Privilege, suggests that millennials actually have a new code of conduct that matters to them more.
Ghosting someone on social media is identified as a modern faux pas, with a third of 18 to 34-year-olds (34 per cent) saying suddenly breaking off all communication like this should be avoided as it is rude.
For 54%, announcing someone else’s news on social media before them is also impolite.
In contrast, just 16% think putting elbows on the dinner table – a traditional faux pas – is rude.
Perhaps the most striking finding is that, 42% of millennials admit they aren’t willing to give up their seat on public transport for pregnant women or the elderly.
Top 10 modern faux pas
1. Littering – 72%
2. Playing music too loudly – 56%
3. Talking too loudly on public transport – 53%
4. Using phone at meal table – 52%
5. Reading someone’s phone messages – 50%
6. Taking up too much room on crowded public transport – 49%
7. Talking while looking at their phone instead of making eye contact – 47%
8. Keeping ear phones in / headphones on while talking to you – 42%
9. Making a tea and not offering to others – 36%
10. Scrolling through someone’s social media photo album without asking – 33%
And it isn’t only millennials who think like this about traditional manners.
One in five British adults no longer hold doors open for passers-by, 18% don’t observe ‘queue etiquette’ and 13% don’t say ‘please or thank you’.
36% of all adults wouldn’t give up their seat on public transport, 27% talk with their mouths full, while 38% now believe pulling a chair out for people is outdated.
The study of more than 2,000 UK adults shows it is largely tech and social media which is redefining our perception of good and bad manners.
Modern bad manners now include reading someone’s phone or social media messages, and scrolling through someone’s photo album without permission.
Littering, playing music too loudly from our phones, and talking too loudly on public transport, are also viewed as modern-day inconsiderate behaviours.
‘It’s really interesting to see how the definition of what is thought to be rude is changing, with airs and graces that were once considered important now becoming a thing of the past,’ says Charlotte Fielding, head of Privilege Motor Insurance.
‘It appears that a new, modern etiquette has taken hold, with TV spoilers and social media must-nots overtaking things like not offering to take someone’s coat, or holding doors open for people when it comes to what’s rude.’
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