We’re losing focus on the present. We spend 47% of our time thinking about something other than what we’re actually doing. In the UK, US and Australia, fuelled by the desire to slow down and appreciate the moment, mindfulness – which can reduce anxiety by 70% – is now the antidote to busy city lifestyles.

Four in five Americans check their phones within 15 minutes of waking, and 79% keep that device on or near them for 22 hours each day. As author and entrepreneur Nir Eyal points out, these devices have the human race hooked - but why? We sat down with him to find out more.

With smartphone-owners easily distracted by their devices in social situations, brand agency Wolff Olins have designed a mobile accessory named 'Higby' to refocus their attention. It blocks the headphones, covers the camera and hugs two phones together.

Research has found that 25% of couples think their partner is distracted by their smartphone. But it's not all bad news - 27% said the internet has impacted on their relationship in a positive manner.