Liverpool has been crowned the cryptocurrency capital of the UK, as revealed by a survey conducted by Openreach, a telecommunications company. The study uncovered that 13% of respondents from Liverpool actively invest in cryptocurrency and track stock market movements, marking it as the highest participation rate across the nation.
The survey highlights varying online behaviours across different UK cities. London stands out as the hub for online dating, with 24% of its residents engaging with dating apps at least three times a week, a stark contrast to the national average of just 4%. On average, Brits report spending about three and a half hours online daily, with 20% admitting to exceeding five hours. Interestingly, 64% of respondents prefer to be online between 11pm and 6am, with 19% choosing this timeframe to watch YouTube content.
In northern England, Manchester is particularly noted for its Instagram usage, with 27% of its population utilising the platform regularly. Sheffield leads the nation in TikTok users and music streamers, boasting rates of 32% and 30% respectively. Additionally, Sheffield residents are the most frequent internet users, with 32% online for over five hours a day, compared to only 11% in Brighton. Leeds, on the other hand, favours Facebook, with 43% of its inhabitants spending considerable time on the platform.
Commissioned to celebrate the anniversary of broadband installation in the UK, the study also revealed that many participants feel dissatisfied with their internet usage. Approximately 43% believe they waste time online, while 37% express concerns about “doom-scrolling” and a significant 33% wish to reduce their online time for improved relaxation.
Katie Milligan, Openreach’s deputy CEO, commented on the findings, noting the distinct ways regions across the UK are engaging with digital platforms, while also recognising the importance of stepping back from screens and digital connectivity.