A study has revealed that Belfast is the nosiest city in Britain and Northern Ireland, beating Worcester and Brighton and Hove to the top spot. The research, which surveyed 2,418 adults across various cities, ranked participants based on their curtain twitching tendencies.
Factors considered included how often they peeped out of their windows to observe their neighbours, the number of neighbours they followed on social media, and whether they knew everyone on their street. Membership in neighbourhood WhatsApp groups and self-identification as being nosy also contributed to the overall score.
The study was commissioned by Škoda, which recently launched a TV advert celebrating the Great British nosy neighbour while challenging stereotypes around electric car drivers. According to the findings, 35% of respondents consider themselves to be nosy.
Kirsten Stagg, a spokesperson for Škoda, said: "Nosiness is practically a national sport in Britain." She added: "Whether it's a new car on the driveway or a new family moving in, we can't help but take a peek."
Stagg also suggested that being a nosy neighbour isn't just harmless fun - it helps build safer, more connected communities and even sparks conversations, especially around new technology like electric cars.
The survey found that the most common time for observing the neighbours is between 6pm and 8pm (17%). While being nosy is often seen as a negative trait, it isn't necessarily a bad thing – 47% believe being a nosy neighbour is harmless.
A good 34% reckon it's a positive attribute, as it can be helpful in emergencies (66%), and contributes to keeping the neighbourhood safe (62%). Moreover, 35% are of the opinion that it fosters a stronger sense of community.
The study also revealed that through mere observation, those surveyed have learnt very specific details about their neighbours. These include their occupation (32%), their work schedule (28%), and even where they shop based on their bags (14%).
They've also noticed deliveries being made (31%), their workout routine (9%), and a new car on the driveway (22%). Interestingly, the latter is a subject those polled have a particular fascination with – 70% know the colour of their neighbour's car. Almost half (45%) know the make, 35% the model, and 15% can even recall the registration.
And if anyone living nearby was to purchase an electric vehicle (EV), that could also get curtains twitching – 16% would be curious and want to know what it's like. While 14% would be impressed by their green credentials and 22% would support their decision.
A study conducted by OnePoll, commissioned by the creators of the all-electric Škoda Enyaq, has revealed how those surveyed perceive electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Being eco-conscious was the top perception at 22%, followed by tech-savvy at 15% and trendy at 12%.