Nearly 90% of Gen Z admit to being distracted by technology at the Christmas dinner table, according to new research that highlights how modern digital habits are disrupting festive mealtimes and meaningful family connection.
The exclusive survey reveals that traditional Christmas gatherings — long seen as a time for warmth, conversation and togetherness — are increasingly being overshadowed by phones, screens and social media. The findings suggest the festive season is no longer immune to the pull of technology, particularly among younger generations.
Research commissioned by Uber Eats also shows that more than a third of Brits (37%) struggle to make conversation at the Christmas dinner table, despite 9 in 10 describing themselves as “good conversationalists”. In reality, 65% admit to being regularly distracted by technology while eating.
While over half of respondents (52%) say they crave deeper, more meaningful conversations with friends and family, familiar conversation starters such as “What’s new with you?” or “Tell me a fun fact about yourself” are leaving many feeling more disconnected than engaged.
In response, broadcaster and self-confessed conversation enthusiast Nick Grimshaw has partnered with Uber Eats and Indian restaurant brand Mowgli to help reignite real conversation this Christmas. Together, they have created a set of festive conversation cards designed to spark meaningful, surprising and entertaining discussion over a shared meal.
The conversation prompts encourage diners to move beyond polite small talk, tapping into shared human experiences with questions such as “Is there a lesson you’ve learned that’s stayed with you?” and “What’s a mealtime tradition you’d love to start?”
With conversational anxiety often driven by fears of saying the wrong thing, a lack of shared interests or chat that feels too shallow, Grimshaw’s prompts aim to unlock personal stories, spark curiosity and get people opening up. The idea is simple: good food, fewer screens, and conversations that actually connect.
Nick Grimshaw said:
“I love when people open up and share their stories, and I firmly believe that the best conversations happen when people are relaxed, enjoying good food, and have their phones at bay, being present in the moment. I’m thrilled to team up with Uber Eats and Mowgli to inject some life back into dinner table discussions, giving people the tools they need to switch off the screen and turn up the chat.”
Saskia De Jongh, at Uber Eats, added:
“Every day, millions of us enjoy amazing food through Uber Eats. With Mowgli, we wanted to offer something extra this Christmas: delicious dishes and a moment to truly reconnect with our loved ones. After all, great stories, like great food, are meant to be shared.”
The festive conversation cards reflect Mowgli’s core philosophy of bringing people together over honest, home-style Indian cooking —-the kind found in a family kitchen. The menu ranges from comforting classics like Mother Butter Chicken to vibrant street-food favourites such as Fenugreek Fries, all designed for sharing. Delivery bundles and set menus are available exclusively via Uber Eats, making group dining easy this festive season.
Fans will also have the chance to see an expert host in action, with Nick Grimshaw hosting a special Mowgli dinner on 16 December. A limited number of places will be available through Uber Eats UK’s Instagram, where users can engage with Nick’s dinner party content for a chance to attend.
The research also highlights stark generational differences in conversation topics. While Millennials tend to talk about food (25%) and fitness (24%), Gen Z conversations are more focused on social media and memes (23%) or people they know (21%). Baby Boomers, meanwhile, are most likely to discuss holidays (41%).
This Christmas, Uber Eats and Mowgli aim to bridge the generational divide – one thoughtful conversation prompt at a time. A lucky selection of customers across the UK will receive Nick Grimshaw’s festive conversation cards with their Mowgli order via Uber Eats from this week, while stocks last.
