Online dating and Brexit among topics most likely to bore people during conversation, poll finds

Under 25s nearly twice as likely to switch-off in any situation than those over 55

(Mimi Thian/Unsplash)

Conversation topics which bored 2,000 polled adults include celebrity gossip, veganism, and the status of Meghan and Harry.

These topics apparently cause British people to switch off during conversation, as do rants about online dating, Brexit and diets.

There are notable age-group disparities. For those over 55 local and national news is most interesting. For those under 25, gossip, music and climate change topped the list.

The research, which was commissioned by high street hearing specialist Hidden Hearing to support the National Campaign for Better Hearing, also found the majority of British people consider themselves to be “active” listeners rather than “passive” listeners.

Active listeners pay full attention to the conversation by listening and responding but more than half of those surveyed admitted they often interrupt or fill in sentences when someone else is speaking.

And those under 25 are nearly twice as likely to switch off within three minutes of conversation than those over 55.

GP and health broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones said: “When we’re talking to others we can often tell when someone isn’t really listening.

“As friends and family, it is vital for us to determine if this is because the listener is disinterested or unable to hear us.

“We know that hearing loss can be linked to loneliness and isolation so making sure people are able to engage with us is important to keep our brains sharp and feel connected.”

“Not enough people are aware of the common signs of hearing loss and what to do next, such as taking a hearing test and using hearing aids which can help people actively listen, be connected, and tune into conversations.”

The study also revealed the most common situations where people switch off include during family gatherings, work meetings and when watching the TV.

But those under 25 are, apparently, nearly twice as likely to switch off in any situation than those over 55.

While seven in 10 surveyed agreed it is important to interject into someone’s story with questions to show they’re listening properly, 63 per cent nod their heads at random intervals to convey their interest.

And a third respond with judicious “hmm’s” when they feel the opportunity calls for it.

The research, conducted in the lead up to World Hearing Day on 3 March, also revealed that during a typical conversation, British people need to ask someone to repeat something twice – because they don’t listen properly or can’t hear the speaker.

The most common reasons those over 55 don’t listen include believing people are mumbling rather than speaking properly (64 per cent), background noise (51 per cent) and people talking too quietly (41 per cent), all of which are possible signs of hearing loss.

People over 55 are of course affected more by hearing loss on average, whereas the under 25 group are twice as likely than the over 55 group to struggle to hear due to distraction.

Those over 55 are also less likely to have modern technology distract them, with only one in 10 of the over 55 population distracted by their mobile phone, compared to one third of those polled under who are under 25.

The study also found more than 40 per cent of adults over 50 suffer some degree of hearing loss, with a fifth believing it is just an “inevitable part of getting older.”

But although nearly half of adults, polled via OnePoll, said having hearing loss would make them feel frustrated, just 30 per cent would go to a hearing specialist if they had any concerns.

Dr Hilary Jones added: “People listen to conversations in different ways, but it is important to pay attention to the reasons you may switch off.

“Being an active listener and following conversations with others is crucial to staying switched on.

“With World Hearing Day on the 3 March, it is the prime time to be mindful of distractions and recognise that if you find it difficult to listen to conversations, especially if you’re over 55, it may be because you’re experiencing hearing loss.

“Listening and engaging with others brings so much enjoyment in life, and is crucial for communicating, yet our ability to hear can be something that many people take for granted.

“Being proactive in your health and getting regular checks is key for you to switch life on and make a positive change.”

Top 40 things that bore most British people

1. Golf

2. Celebrity gossip

3. Meghan and Harry

4. Veganism

5. Rugby

6. Football

7. Fashion trends

8. Beauty trends

9. The stock exchange

10. Online dating

11. Cars / mechanics

12. Hair styles

13. Tennis

14. Diets

15. Someone else’s wedding

16. Mortgages

17. Brexit

18. Someone else’s children or grandchildren

19. Other people’s ailments

20. Other people’s lunch

21. Politics

22. Someone’s love life

23. Someone’s personal gossip

24. Workplace gossip

25. Upcoming festivals

26. Someone else’s holiday

27. Other people’s pets

28. Parenthood

29. Traffic

30. Pensions

31. Other people’s dreams

32. Married life

33. Climate change

34. Driving directions

35. Hearing about the neighbours

36. History

37. Recycling

38. Conversations about your partner’s job

39. The weather

40. Music

SWNS