The next time you’re out to dinner, someone might not only ask to take your jacket, they may want you to hand over your phone, too. The number of bars and restaurants establishing a phone-free environment is growing, per Axios—a change that appeals to younger patrons.
Axios found that at least 11 states have individual restaurants or bars with a form of phone restriction or digital detox. Scrolling a menu instead of your phone is thought to create a more intimate setting, lead to more focus on food, and protect patron privacy.
A recent survey from Talker Research shows a significant number of people are putting their phones away and probably don’t want to see someone taking pictures of their food:
- 63% of Gen Z says they intentionally disconnect; 57% of millennials say the same.
- Even older crowds are on board—42% of Gen X and 29% of boomers said they unplug.
A needed break: Data from Consumer Affairs showed Americans spend an average of 4.5 hours per day on their devices. Another revealed that 86.5% of phone use involves social networking and texting during meals.
It’s chains, too: The upscale supper club Delilah’s has a no-phones policy. Even some Chick-Fil-A locations are offering free ice cream as an incentive for turning over your phone while eating.—DL
This report was originally published by Morning Brew.