“7 Shocking Hours a Day: The Screen Time Trap Your Family Needs to Escape”

Globally, individuals spend an average of nearly seven hours daily on screens, with smartphones accounting for the majority of this time. Android Headlines describes this as an “alarming statistic.”

According to Android Headlines, excessive screen time can lead to “problems such as sleep disturbances, eye strain, decreased productivity, and even feelings of isolation.”

Familyguide reported in January:

Harmony stated, “If the typical American receives a phone at age 12 and lives to 76…they would spend over 4,466 days on their phone, which equates to 12 years of staring at their device.”

12 years is a substantial amount of time to be looking at a phone. And this doesn’t even include time spent on other screens, such as televisions and computers.

SafeWise also highlighted some interesting facts from the Harmony study: “Almost 6 in 10 Americans report using their phone while in the bathroom,” and “more than 3 in 10 individuals said they couldn’t give up their phone for 24 hours.”

A study from the previous year revealed that 57% of Americans acknowledge being addicted to their phones. However, among all generations, Gen Z appears to be the most proactive in limiting screen time.

“Approximately 17% of Gen Z limits screen time most days, and 29% are proficient at it, but challenges persist,” AH reported. “A significant 28% of this generation admits that reducing their screen time is too difficult, while 12% don’t even attempt to cut back despite feeling their usage is excessive.”

Meanwhile, 33% of millennials claim they can effectively limit screen time, while 25% find it challenging. Boomers fare slightly better, with 35% expressing comfort with their device usage.

“It’s evident that while younger generations may feel pressured to reduce screen time, possibly due to intense social media presence and fear of missing out (FOMO), older generations seem less affected, with a higher percentage feeling at ease with their digital habits,” AH noted.

“Mobile phones are, by far, the most difficult devices to reduce screen time on,” AH reported. “About 61% of survey respondents find it challenging to disconnect from their phones, compared to 23% for TVs and 21% for laptops.” So, “What makes mobile phones so addictive?”

FOMO is a key factor. Gen Z is most affected by FOMO, with 40% reporting experiencing it. Millennials are less affected, but 34% still admit to having FOMO.

“The constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and group chats can create a sense that something important is always happening, fostering an urgency to stay connected,” AH explained.

“For younger generations, work requirements also blur the lines between personal and professional time. 27% of Millennials and Gen Z cite work as a reason they can’t fully disconnect. Additionally, social pressure to respond quickly to messages or stay current with trends makes it even more challenging to step away from screens,” AH reported.

Dar Meshi, a cognitive neuroscientist at Michigan State University, suggests that social media is a major reason why people keep returning to their phones. Social interactions provide addictive dopamine rushes.

“We evolved to find social interaction rewarding,” Meshi stated. “And then along comes technology that can tap into that drive, that biological hardwiring. Just you nodding while I’m talking activates that reward system. Now I can get 100 people nodding and giving me a like.”

Many Gen Z (40%) and Millennials (32%) struggle to disconnect due to lack of motivation. Despite knowing the harmful effects, they lack the drive to unplug.

AH suggests some ways to help reduce screen time: set daily limits, schedule tech-free periods, remove distractions (like unimportant notifications), use screen time tracking apps, and engage in offline hobbies.

“While reducing screen time may seem challenging, the benefits – improved mental health, better sleep, enhanced productivity – are well worth the effort,” AH concludes. “The key is to be mindful about how and when you use your devices. By implementing small changes like setting screen time limits, scheduling tech-free periods, and turning off notifications, you can develop healthier habits around technology use.”