Interesting Statistics About The Time Spent Using Devices
It’s no surprise that the average person spends a significant amount of time each day using digital devices as research shows that most people spend up to 10 hours per day on their phones, tablets, and computers. This isn’t just an issue for adults either – children are spending more and more time with screens as well.
But what does this mean for your health? What impact is this having on your relationships? And how can you make sure you’re getting enough rest from all of these devices?
These are some of the questions posed by recent studies into device usage around the world. Below is a list of interesting statistics about the time spent using devices and what it means for you in today’s digital age.
The device matters
The type of device used has a significant impact on how long you use it. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who own an internet-connected device are more likely to spend up to 5 hours per day on it, compared to those with only televisions – being just 2 hours and 45 minutes.
And with the rise of mobile devices, the amount of time using a device is now not just limited to home – it’s with you everywhere. For instance, 64% of US adults own a smartphone and spend an incredible 4 hours per day on it. The average screen time spent on the iPhone and other iOS devices is even higher – at 6 hours per day. This is double the amount of time spent watching television.
And it’s not just adults that are spending all this time online – children aged 8 to 18 spend an average of 6.5 hours per day in front of screens. This is a worrying statistic if the brain doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25, it means kids are spending a lot of time with screens before their brains are fully developed.
The device use affects our wellbeing
Apart from the social implications of being online all the time, it’s also affecting our physical health too. People who spend more than two hours per day on devices are twice as likely to be obese compared to those who spend less than two hours per day. It’s believed that this is because people who use devices more often are less likely to take part in physical activities and more likely to snack on unhealthy food while using their devices.
Additionally, it affects sleep patterns and the quality of sleep. It’s not uncommon for people to keep their phones in their bedrooms at night, but this can harm sleep quality. People who use their devices before bed are more likely to have higher levels of stress and fatigue as well as lower levels of alertness during the daytime.
An effect on relationships
It’s not just your physical health that is affected by device use, it also has a huge impact on relationship dynamics too. The average adult spends 20 minutes out of every hour using some kind of digital device – that’s one-fifth of their waking hours. It can be difficult to stay focused on work or family when your eyes and attention are constantly on a screen.
Consequently, this will lead to difficulty in conversation and communication, which can cause tension or even conflict between partners and friends. Device usage can also affect family time – especially when kids are using devices during dinner or bedtime instead of talking with their parents about their day.
Device use can lead to addiction
With the rise of social media and the constant presence of devices in our lives, it’s not surprising that device use has become addictive for some people. A study from the Pew Research Center found that 19% of US adults feel addicted to their phones or other digital devices – with this figure almost doubling to 35% among teens.
Devices offer users a way to escape reality and sadness, making it easy to become addicted. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, in addition to physical health problems caused by too much device use.
Additionally, it can affect productivity, as people become so engrossed in their device use that they neglect necessary tasks and goals.
The national statistics
It’s estimated that people in the US spend around 2 hours and 45 minutes per day on their devices – which is far less than many other countries.
For instance, the average device usage in Mexico is 5 hours and 18 minutes per day, while in China it is 6 hours and 22 minutes per day. Taiwan has the highest average device usage at 7 hours and 22 minutes per day. However, it’s important to note that these figures may be slightly skewed due to people having easier access to devices in certain countries or regions.
Additionally, the average device usage globally is around 4 hours and 15 minutes per day.
Being informed
It is not all bad news though – with the right awareness and understanding of how device use affects us, it’s possible to reduce our reliance on devices. There are a few strategies that can help you manage your device usage and get the most out of it without becoming addicted.
For instance, setting boundaries for yourself when using devices can help keep your usage in check. Setting a timer to limit how long you spend on your device or having specific times during the day when you switch off your device is one good way.
Additionally, being aware of how devices affect relationships is key – spending time with people in person rather than online can help build better connections and strengthen existing ones.
Finally, it’s important to take breaks from devices and engage in activities outside of the virtual world. Taking part in physical activities, going out into nature, or simply spending time reading a book can help with your mental and physical well-being.
Device usage has become a huge part of everyday lives, with the average person spending around 4 hours and 15 minutes per day on their devices. While this can be beneficial when used in moderation, it’s important to remember its potential effects such as fatigue, stress, addiction, and strained relationships.
To help manage your relationship with technology and get the most out of it without becoming addicted or overwhelmed by it, setting boundaries for yourself and being aware of how device use affects relationships are key.
