Either we are twice as smart or twice as inattentive as we used to be. Once, families sat down to watch The Two Ronnies, and everybody in thrall was highly irritated when the phone rang.

Ofcom’s research demonstrates that Britons have become a nation of media junkies. Now we spend more time on the internet – four times as much on average as five years ago – but fit in much of the extra surfing while watching prime-time television.

It is unlikely that the whole family will be in the living room these days – unless Doctor Who is on. And as the dirty dinner plates are left piled up on the coffee table, anybody watching TV has their mobile phone close to hand if someone rings.

Ofcom’s data show that despite all the distractions offered by the internet, which were supposed to undermine the basis of television viewing, Britons remain wedded to the small screen.

The average time spent in front of the box fixed at three hours and 38 minutes a day, only six minutes down from 2003. Radio listening has suffered a little more in that time, but every person still spends a further two hours and 44 minutes a day with the wireless on in the background.

What has changed is that traditional media no longer monopolise attention for those under 45.

About a third of 16 to 44-year-olds admit to using their computer while watching television. That proportion tumbles to 10 per cent for those aged about 60. Well over half of 16 to 44-year-olds will pick up the mobile or landline as EastEnders unfolds.

It is a change in habits that could easily prompt a diatribe against this apparent decline in traditional values – but in reality it is a rational response to the increasing communications on offer.

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