The only time I make a phone call is if I’m bored and want to have a chat – or after the 6th of every month when my data has run out and it’s an emergency. (Yup, it’s that time already.)

Granted, this poll was made in the UK, but we think it applies here too – especially to this upwardly mobile demographic that our readers tend to represent.

After surveying 4 000 Brits, results of a survey showed that around 25% hadn’t made a phone call in the past week. This is a steep increase in numbers since 2013 – which only saw 4%. Of course, these numbers are balanced by a surge in the use of messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Cell phones are also being used to book restaurants, order take-aways and pin for cabs.

Although it makes sense, Deloitte, the firm who conducted the research, says that the decline is worrisome as it may decrease inter-personal communication skills.

It is becoming easier to communicate via messages than to speak. A Facebook update or chat is replacing a natter at the end of the day, and if you use a taxi-hailing app you do not need to speak to a taxi driver. If it becomes easier and easier to message what does that do to conversational skills? Teenagers are often frightened of having to have a conversation, because it requires an immediate response. I’ve heard employers who say they can get great maths graduates but that they are unable to speak.

I guess it is a little worrisome when you can go a whole day without saying one word to someone, but that must be real boring – and who doesn’t speak to their taxi driver?