How does your screen time measure up?”
The average screen time across different platforms and devices was 6 hours 37 minutes per day in 2023.
Gen Zs spend the most time on their screens (7 hours and 18 minutes) and Baby Boomers spend the least amount of time on screens.
Covid has highly increased ( by 30%) mobile screen time, from 2 hrs 56 mins in 2019 to 4 hrs 12 mins in 2021.
Ready to reclaim your time? Explore the screen time phenomenon with eye-opening statistics with us.
Top Screen Time Statistics: Editor’s Pick
- South African people are glued to their screens for 9 hrs 27 mins per day. [4]
- Brazil is not behind the race with an average screen time of 9 hrs 15 mins per day. [4]
- Japan is the least screen-addicted nation with an average person spending less than four hours per day on screen. [4]
- The average global desktop screen time was 2 hours 51 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
- The average global mobile screen time was 3 hours 46 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
- 90.9% of people are using the internet to access streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. [1]
- The Philippines is at the top of the list of using screens for TV shows with 97.9%. [1]
- Americans spend 32.46% of screen time on social media, about 2 hrs 46 mins per day. [1]
- It is found that excessive recreational computer use leads to an 84% increase in psychosomatic complaints in boys and a 108% increase in girls. [9]
Average Screen Time Statistics Worldwide
How much time does the average person spend on their phone?
On Average, people spend about 44% of their waking hours looking at a screen. [5]
The average screen time across different platforms and devices was 6 hours 37 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
Covid has highly increased ( by 30%) mobile screen time, from 2 hrs 56 mins in 2019 to 4 hrs 12 mins in 2021. [2]
Here we have listed global screen time usage statistics from 2013 to 2023.
| Year | Time |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 hrs 19 mins |
| 2014 | 6 hrs 23 mins |
| 2015 | 6hrs 20mins |
| 2016 | 6 hrs 29 mins |
| 2017 | 6 hrs 46 mins |
| 2018 | 6 hrs 48 mins |
| 2019 | 6 hrs 38 mins |
| 2020 | 6 hrs 54 mins |
| 2021 | 6 hrs 58 mins |
| 2022 | 6 hrs 28 mins |
| 2023 | 6 hrs 37 mins |
It is surprising to note that even after the pandemic was over, the average screen time increased in the following four countries around the world.
- Netherlands (+16 minutes) [2]
- China (+10 minutes)
- Russia (+7 minutes)
- Poland (+2 minutes)
Screen Time Statistics By Country
Which country has the highest screen time?
South Africa. People are glued to their screens for 9 hrs 27 mins per day. [4]
Brazil is not behind the race with an average screen time of 9 hrs 15 mins per day. [4]
Japan is the least screen-addicted nation with an average person spending less than four hours per day on screen. [4]
Desktop Screen Time Statistics By Country
The average global desktop screen time was 2 hours 51 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
The average global desktop screen time was 3 hours 14 minutes per day in 2022.
South Africans spend the most time (4hrs 25mins) on their computer screens. [1]
Next in line is Russia with an average desktop screen time of 4 hours and 17 minutes. [1]
The lowest is Japan with an average computer screen time of 1 hr 51 mins per day.
| Country | Average time spent on desktop screen |
|---|---|
| Colombia | 4 hrs 11 mins |
| Argentina | 4hrs 6mins |
| Brazil | 4hrs 4mins |
| Portugal | 3 hrs 56 mins |
| Chile | 3hrs 50mins |
| Philippines | 3 hrs 43 mins |
| Malaysia | 3 hrs 38 mins |
| Singapore | 3 hrs 36 mins |
| USA | 3 hrs 31 mins |
| UK | 2hrs 55mins |
| India | 2 hrs 28 mins |
| China | 2hrs 9mins |
Mobile Screen Time Statistics By Country
The average global mobile screen time was 3 hours 46 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
This is nearly the same as 2022.
The Philippines has the highest screen time on mobile phones with an average use of 5 hours 31 minutes per day in 2023. [1]
Brazilians, with 5 hrs 28 mins per day, are next. [1]
The US ranks 22nd in the list with mobile users in the US spending an average of 3 hrs 28 mins on their devices. [1]
Again Japan holds the lowest rank with mobile screen time of 1 hr 54 mins per day. [1]
Screen Time Statistics By Age
It is not so surprising that Gen Zs spend the most time on their screens (7 hours and 18 minutes) and Baby Boomers spend the least amount of time on screens. [5]
Millennials and Gen Xs spend about 6 hours behind their screens, which is concerning. [5]
| Generation | Average Screen Time Spend |
|---|---|
| Gen Z | 7 hours 18 mins |
| Millennials | 6 hours 42 mins |
| Gen X | 6 hours |
| Baby Boomers | 2 hours 54 mins |
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average daily screen time hours per age group, excluding the time spent for educational purposes in the US are:
- 6 hours for 8 to 10 year olds [6]
- 9 hours for 11 to 14 year olds
- 7.5 hours for 15 to 18 year olds
How Do You Spend Your Screen Time?
Streaming shows
90.9% of people are using the internet to access streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. [1]
The Philippines is at the top of the list of using screens for TV shows with 97.9%. [1]
Followed very closely by Mexico (97.7%), Brazil (97.6%), and India (97.5%). [1]
Social Media
The average global usage of social media is 38.05% of screen time. [1]
Indians spend most of their screen time scrolling social media. According to Data Reportal, Indians spend 44.39% of their screen time on social platforms. [1]
Americans spend 32.46% of screen time on social media, about 2 hrs 46 mins per day. [1]
This is the list of countries spending more than the global average(38.05) of screen time on social media.
| Country | % of screen time spent on social media |
|---|---|
| India | 44.39% |
| Indonesia | 42.86% |
| Mexico | 41.27% |
| Saudi Arabia | 41.14% |
| Chile | 40.31% |
| Philippines | 40.25% |
| Vietnam | 39.69% |
| Brazil | 39.51% |
| Colombia | 39.19% |
| Turkey | 39.19% |
| South Africa | 38.75% |
Average Screen Time In the US
Source: Big Data
- 34% of Americans spend most of their screen time watching TV. [5]
- 16% of Americans spend their screen time playing video games, followed very closely by 14% watching movies specifically.
- 9% of Americans use social media at most on their mobiles.
- Only 6% of Americans prioritize reading e-books on their screens.
American Gen Zs Spend 9 hrs on Screen Everyday
US teenagers are spending most of their screen time watching TV/ Videos. [3]
While there is a craze for content creation around the world, US teenagers are least interested in the activity.
Teenagers in the US spend most of their time gaming, scrolling social media, or browsing websites.
Source: Common Sense Media
Impacts & Risks of Screen Time
Screen time is drastically affecting the health of people around the world.
- 41% claimed that they find it difficult to manage their screen time. [6]
- 21% of adults find themselves guilty regarding how much time their children spend on screen. [6]
- High screen time causes sleep deprivation, eyesight weakness, obesity, reduced attention span, reduced performance, and even diabetes.
- In an EdWeek Research Centre survey of almost 900 K-12 educators in the US, 80% reported that increased screen time worsened children’s behavior. [7]
- In an Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, children who spent more than 2 hours a day on screens scored lower on thinking and language tests. [8]
- Kids with more than 7 hours of daily screen time experienced a thinning of the cortex – the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and critical thinking. [8]
- It is found that excessive recreational computer use leads to an 84% increase in psychosomatic complaints in boys and a 108% increase in girls. [9]
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FAQs
How much time does the average person spend on their phone?
On average, people spend about 44% of their waking hours looking at a screen, with the average screen time across different platforms and devices being 6 hours 37 minutes per day in 2023.
Which country has the highest screen time?
South Africa holds the record for the highest screen time, with people spending an average of 9 hours 27 minutes per day on screens, followed closely by Brazil with 9 hours 15 minutes.
What are the impacts of excessive screen time on health?
Excessive screen time can lead to various health issues including sleep deprivation, eyesight weakness, obesity, reduced attention span, reduced performance, and increased risk of diabetes. Studies have also shown negative impacts on cognitive function, brain development, and behavior, especially in children and teenagers.
What activities consume the most screen time?
Streaming shows is the most common screen activity, with 90.9% of people accessing streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Social media also consumes a significant portion of screen time, with Indians spending the most time on social platforms.
How has screen time changed over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Screen time has been steadily increasing over the years, with a significant spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, mobile screen time increased by 30% from 2019 to 2021.
Conclusion
The statistics presented highlight the widespread prevalence of screen usage across the globe, with people spending substantial portions of their waking hours glued to screens. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, leading to increased screen time across various devices and platforms.
In essence, while screens offer countless benefits and opportunities, it’s crucial to approach their usage mindfully and in moderation to ensure overall well-being and fulfillment in an increasingly digital world.
Sources
- Datareportal. Digital 2023: Global overview report
- Digital Information World. 30 percent increase in Screen time since 2019 with an average of 4.2 hours being consumed per day
- Common Sense Media. Media use by tweens and teens
- Statista. Time spent online worldwide
- Big Data. Average Screen Time Statistics (2024)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Screen time vs lean time
- EdWeek Research Centre survey. Technology in Teaching and Learning
- ABCD study. New study reveals surprising impact of screen time on the developing brain
- BBC. Children’s and Education survey parents across the UK on their attitudes towards screens
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.