Americans are spending a significant portion of their day glued to electronic devices. According to a recent study, the average American spends six hours and 40 minutes daily staring at the screens of computers, phones, and other electronic devices.
This figure, revealed in a worldwide screen time study by Comparitech, a website specializing in consumer security product reviews and information, is just slightly above the global average of six hours and 38 minutes.
Screen Time of Americans Exceeds Global Average:
While the amount of time spent on screens may seem excessive, experts have varying opinions on the matter. Rebecca Moody, Head of Data Research at Comparitech, notes the difficulty in defining “excessive” screen time, especially given the reliance on screens for work-related activities. However, she suggests that mobile screen time, which is less likely to be work-related for most individuals, may be more indicative of overuse.
The study indicates that Americans spend an average of three hours and 22 minutes per day on mobile screens, which is slightly below the global average of three hours and 46 minutes.
Titania Jordan, chief parent officer at Bark, emphasizes that individual screen time needs vary depending on occupation and lifestyle. She advises considering whether screen time interferes with other aspects of life, such as social interactions, work, sleep, and mental well-being.
Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at the Enderle Group, stresses the importance of assessing both the benefits and detriments of screen time on an individual basis. He points out potential negative impacts like eyesight degradation, lack of exercise, socialization issues, and political polarization. However, he also acknowledges potential benefits, such as increased safety during pandemics and enhanced productivity for some individuals.
Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst with SmartTech Research, argues that six and a half hours of screen time is excessive for most people. He suggests that such high daily totals may displace healthier habits like exercise, in-person interaction, and sleep. He emphasizes the importance of parents focusing on what screen time replaces in their children’s lives.
Larry D. Rosen, professor emeritus at California State University, Dominguez Hills, concurs that exceeding six hours of screen time is excessive. He believes it detracts from face-to-face interactions and non-screen activities. Rosen’s research indicates that mobile phone usage often exceeds the survey average, with most time spent on social media and messaging.
The survey also found that Americans spend an average of two hours and nine minutes per day on social media, slightly less than the worldwide average of two hours and 21 minutes. The most popular social media platforms in the U.S. include YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Global Trends
The study reveals that South Africans have the highest screen time, averaging nine hours and 27 minutes per day. Russians led in desktop screen time consumption, while Filipinos spend the most time on mobile screens. Overall, countries in Africa, Asia, and South America exhibit the highest screen time averages.
Rosen suggests that screens have become the primary news source in developing countries since the Arab Spring. Vena notes that smartphones are the primary gateway to the internet in many of these regions, making screen time a central part of daily life. High youth populations and rapidly growing digital economies also contribute to greater mobile engagement.
Jordan points out the popularity of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp in these regions for social interaction, business exchanges, and news consumption. She also notes that many of these countries skipped broadband and slower-growth internet, quickly adopting mobile-connected devices and Wi-Fi, leading to increased screen time due to the mobility of smartphones.
Shifting Trends
Comparitech’s research indicates that over half of the countries studied reduced their screen time compared to the previous year. Hong Kong experienced the largest reduction. Researchers attribute this decline to a return to normalcy post-pandemic and increased awareness of the negative impacts of excessive screen time on mental health.
Advancements in technology, such as improved digital well-being features on smartphones and applications, may also contribute to the decrease by encouraging users to monitor and limit their screen time.
Moody suggests that growing awareness of the negative impacts of excessive screen time is prompting individuals to consciously unplug before bed.
Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, notes that some nations have attempted to regulate screen time, but such policies are difficult to enforce. She highlights voluntary measures taken by some platforms to allow users to limit their screen time and receive break reminders.
Ambrose suggests that technology companies are adopting customizable user and parental control systems, such as screen time controls and break prompts, rather than implementing restrictive policies.
