A recent survey reveals that a majority of Generation Z viewers in the United Kingdom prefer to watch television shows and films with subtitles enabled. The YouGov poll, which gathered responses from 35,753 Britons, found that 53 percent of those aged 18 to 24 regularly use subtitles, a higher rate than any other age group.

This finding contrasts with use patterns among older demographics, where subtitle usage is notably lower despite a higher prevalence of hearing loss. For example, only 22 percent of people aged 65 to 74 and 31 percent of those 75 and older reported using subtitles, even though estimates from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People indicate that nearly 80 percent of individuals over 70 experience some degree of hearing impairment.

Respondents from the younger age group cited several reasons for their preference. These included difficulty understanding muffled or mumbling dialogue, challenges following complex plots, and dealing with distracting background noise. In addition, some viewers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) said subtitles help them maintain focus. One participant noted, “I have ADHD and it’s helpful to have them there just in case.”

ADHD UK acknowledged that while there is no formal scientific evidence directly linking ADHD and increased subtitle use, many people with the condition find subtitles beneficial for processing spoken content. Individuals interviewed in the poll elaborated on this point: Daran, a 47-year-old from Reading, stated that subtitles assist in comprehending what his brain may have missed, while Amy Cocksedge, who has both ADHD and partial deafness, said subtitles help her follow spoken dialogue more effectively. Lauren O’Carroll added that subtitles aid in maintaining concentration and prevent her from becoming distracted by multitasking.

The survey also revealed that the 25 to 34 age bracket was the second most likely to use subtitles, with 46 percent reporting regular use. Conversely, those aged 55 to 64 demonstrated the lowest subtitle engagement, with 76 percent indicating they rarely or never turn them on.

Overall, the poll categorized reasons for subtitle use into several themes, including difficulty hearing dialogue, desire not to miss plot details, habit, challenges with accents, and competing household noise. The widespread adoption of subtitles among younger viewers suggests that their utility extends beyond hearing impairments to include cognitive and environmental factors affecting media consumption.