Brits blighted by Voice Note Fatigue as 'quick' messages from friends turn into podcasts

Brits feel they are now blighted by as the ‘quick’ messages from friends have turned into full-scale . It started as a quick and easy way to stay in touch but Brits are so fed up with that some even want to see them banned.

As many as six in ten (62%) claim they have experienced Voice Note Fatigue (VNF) with 44% listening to them at double speed just to get through them faster, according to new research. While length is an issue for one in three, other frustrations include mumbling, filler words and multi-part voice note epics.

Most people would like them capped at two minutes but 14% want them banned altogether, according to the survey by Sky Mobile. Ironically, while most moan about receiving voice notes, we can’t stop sending them.

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Almost three quarters (73%) admit they love recording them, describing them as quicker, more expressive, and easier than typing. Brits also use them because it’s easy to send a message hands-free (76%), they feel like a phone call without the pressure (68%) and are more efficient (65%).

Ben Case, managing director of connectivity at Sky, said: "Voice notes began as a quick shortcut, but now they're turning into podcasts!

“Whichever way our customers choose to communicate, with Sky Mobile they'll enjoy flexible data plans and 99% coverage, so people can stay connected in a way that suits them."

The Voice Note Etiquette Guide Do

Keep it brief: Aim for a maximum of two minutes and remember people don’t have time for a podcast

Be clear and to the point: Rambling and filler worlds are major turn-offs. Get to the point quickly

Be aware of background noise: Nobody want to hear your dog barking or train announcements

Speak clearly and enthusiastically: Muffled audio and monotone delivery make it hard to engage with your message

Don’t

Send endless voice note chains: Multiple short messages create notification overload and can be frustrating to listen to

Overuse voice notes: While convenient, sometimes a quick text is all you need

Send overly long voice notes: Anything over five minutes is pushing it!

Monologue message: Acknowledge the recipient and engage in a two-way conversation

Be afraid to switch it up: Sometimes a phone call is the best way to connect and have a more engaging conversation