Sneaky Brits check their other half’s phone for questionable texts, emails and internet searches twice a week
Researchers have found that four in ten adults in a relationship regularly sneak a look at their partner’s phone behind their back to keep an eye on what they are up to.
Women are the most likely to check a partner’s phone behind their back, with 44% admitting to it compared to just 36% of men.
The study from Samsung also found 34% know their partner’s mobile PIN, 39% know their email account password and 26% know their Facebook password. With 31% not knowing any of their other half’s PINs or passwords, 54% would be suspicious if this was the case for them.
Just over half even believe sharing your mobile PIN or social media passwords is a modern sign of true love or being in a committed relationship.
While six in 10 snoops have caught their partner cheating on them or talking to someone they shouldn’t be, over a third have scuppered a romantic surprise their loved one was planning.
Ines van Gennip, marketing director for IT and mobile, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland, said: “Mobile phones are such a huge part of our lives now, consumers want to stay in touch with loved ones via text, phone and social media on an affordable device without having to compromise on style or design, the launch of our sleek new Galaxy A-Series makes that all the more possible.
“Rather amusingly this research shows that suspicious partners seem to be using them quite regularly to check up on their other half on a regular basis,” continued Gennip. “As we head towards the Valentine’s season however, it’s worth bearing in mind that you might discover something your partner is trying to keep hidden for all the right reasons, such as a secret weekend away they are planning, a special gift or perhaps even a marriage proposal!”
The top ten things partners check are, in order: text messages; call history; Facebook private messages; emails; photo gallery; internet history; WhatsApp history; Twitter private messages; Viber History; and Skype history.
The study of 2,000 Brits found almost half have gone through a partner’s phone in at least one relationship they’ve been in, with 16% admitting they have done this with pretty much everyone they have been with. Furthermore, 40% regularly snoop through their current partner’s mobile to keep an eye on what they are doing or who they are talking to.
It doesn’t always go to plan though as 34% have ended up ruining a surprise their partner is planning for them, stumbling across their plans for a holiday, weekend away, gift or even a proposal.
While 44% of said snoops have been caught in the act when going through their partner’s phone, six in 10 of those who snoop have found inappropriate text messages, Facebook messages, phone calls or internet searches on at least one of their partner’s mobiles.
When it comes to confessing about their find, 32% would confront their other half even if it meant owning up to their snooping, while a clever 18% would find a way to bring it up without having to admit how they found out. While 23% would keep it to themselves, but keep a closer eye on their partner, 17% would try and forget about it as they shouldn’t have been snooping in the first place. Almost one in twenty would break up with their partner immediately.
