UK viewers avoid social media to dodge TV show spoilers

A YouView study of the UK public has found that social media, including Facebook and Twitter, influence TV habits, but people avoid using them if they are not up to date, so as not to ruin their experience of favourite shows: 27% would keep away from social media to avoid spoiling favourite TV programmes they are yet to catch up on.

The survey was conducted online and questioned more than 2,000 people. It also discovered that nationally 4% of people admitted they talk about TV at least once a day on Facebook (Twitter is 2%). These numbers are at least double for those in the 18-24 age range at 9% and 6% respectively.

Social media has had a huge impact on TV tastes with around one in seven viewers now getting TV recommendations directly from it [Facebook (12%) and Twitter (6%)].

According to the latest YouView census into national television habits for 2014, one in seven (14%) of Facebook users questioned also said they always or often use the site to talk about the TV programme they are watching. For Twitter the number was slightly higher at 16% or around one in six.

The survey also found:

• One in eight people claim they now watch more television than in 2013.
• One in seven Facebook users always or often use the social media site to discuss the shows they’re watching.
• UK households own an average of one extra TV-capable device/gadget compared to 12 months ago.
• 52% of people prefer homegrown British drama.
• Women were far more likely to always or often be on Facebook while watching TV – 41% of women vs 28% of men.

Susie Buckridge, Director of Product, YouView said, “Whether taking recommendations from social media or being influenced by family and friends, it appears the personal touch is the key to helping decide what’s worth turning on and what we should just switch off.