Press Release: Four in ten Brits log-on to Facebook and Twitter at least once a day whilst abroad

BOASTING BRITS ABROAD!

Research from T-Mobile reveals that British holiday-makers are a nation of 'Smoasters' – Social Media Boasters

·         60% of Brits can't help but brag via social media 'Smoasting' whilst on holiday

·         Four in ten Brits log-on to Facebook and Twitter at least once a day whilst abroad

·         Almost half of Brits (45%) will only tag themselves on a holiday photo if the location is glamorous and it will make them look good

London, 29^th June, 2012 – New research from T-Mobile has revealed that six in ten Brits can't live without 'Smoasting' (Social Media Boasting) whilst on holiday, whether it be checking themselves in at exotic locations, status updates boasting of time in the sun or uploading pictures of jet-setting adventures.

The survey commissioned by T-Mobile has been released to coincide with the newly launched Internet and Broadband Travel Boosters - a new system offering customers peace of mind that when browsing the internet abroad, they will never pay more than they expect anywhere in the world. When wanting to 'Smoast' they will automatically be re-directed to a page where they will be prompted to buy a booster allowing them access to the internet. 

With Social Media being so integral in our modern lives, 'Smoasting' has snowballed into a trend, with over 50% of Brits having admitted to checking themselves in at a famous landmark, uploading smug shots of themselves at the beach or enjoying a fancy meal whilst on holiday, all to show off to their friends. It has been revealed that 45% will only tag themselves at a location if it's glamorous and makes them look good, while a fifth do it purely to make other people jealous.

According to the research, three in ten say they would deliberately write a boastful holiday status to make people at home envious. Six in ten defend their boasting by insisting if they're happy they have a right to shout about it online, half the study saying it's fine because 'everyone else does it', and four in ten do it just because they think it's amusing to wind others up. 15% of people have admitted to boasting about their holiday online, just to target an ex-partner they wanted to make jealous.

A T-Mobile spokesperson said: "With the holiday season fast approaching, more and more people will want to use social media whilst away on holiday. As a result we have introduced the Internet and Broadband Travel Boosters - this brand new system gives our customers the unbeatable re-assurance that they will never pay more than they expect, anywhere in the world for the use of any mobile data."

Jo Hemmings, Psychologist said: "The T-Mobile research shows that we Brits have totally embraced the concept of social networking, so it's no wonder that 60% of people need to feel in contact when they are on holiday, and many of us like to check in daily. We're not an especially boastful nation – we usually tend to play down our achievements but social networking has enabled us to post updates and photos about what we're up to anywhere in the world. Posting updates on social networking sites, while we're on holiday, is the modern day version of sending a postcard – but of course is much more fun, having a wider audience and a far greater reach."

The research also shows that celebrities are doing their fair share of Smoasting too, with people believing the top 5 most prolific are: 

1.     The whole TOWIE cast

2.     Made in Chelsea cast

3.     Rhianna

4.     Tulisa

5.     Victoria Beckham

The Northern Irish are the most likely to 'Smoast' whilst they are away (70%) with the Scottish and Londoners coming in closely behind (65%). Whereas people from East Anglia (74%) get angry about other people's Facebook and Twitter updates, with over half (52%) saying it is because they are showing off.

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