How Much Average Screen Time is Good for Adults? A Curation

Who says that only children and teenagers should limit their screen time? Adults are not exempt. But the question is, how much average screen time is recommended for them?

In this article, we’ve curated top case studies to answer that question, including the following:

• How much average screen time do adults spend?
• Which adult age group spends the most amount of time on the screen?
• What are the top 4 activities that consume most of their screen time?
• What are the top 4 gadgets that they use most often?
• Which country has the highest average daily screen time consumption?
• What benefits do they get from spending time on the screen?
• What risks do they get from too much of it?
• What are some ways to manage screen time?

How Much Average Screen Time Do Adults Spend?

1) Globally, adults’ average screen time a day is up to 6 hours and 55 minutes long.

Sources: Best Writing, Exploding Topics, and Website Builder

• An average person spends 6 hours and 55 minutes daily in front of a screen.
• This accounts for 38% to 44% of his waking hours looking at the screen.
• Out of that duration, 2 hours and 27 minutes are spent browsing social media, and 1 hour and 12 minutes playing video games.
• The rest of the hours are spent doing other screen-based activities such as online shopping and reading news.

2) In America, adults’ average screen time a day is up to 10 hours and 19 minutes long.

Sources: Exploding Topics, Reid Health, and Website Builder

• In Brazil, adults’ average screen time is 10 hours and 19 minutes a day.
• In Colombia, that is 10 hours and 3 minutes.
• In Argentina, that is 9 hours and 38 minutes.
• In Mexico, that is 8 hours and 55 minutes.

3) In Asia, adults’ average screen time a day is up to 10 hours and 27 minutes long.

Sources: Active Health and Exploding Topics

• In the Philippines, adults spend 10 hours and 27 minutes of average screen time a day.
• In Malaysia, that is 9 hours and 10 minutes.
• In Thailand, that is 9 hours and 6 minutes.
• In Indonesia, that is 8 hours and 37 minutes. 
• In the United Arab Emirates, that is 8 hours and 36 minutes.
• In Taiwan, that is 8 hours and 7 minutes. 
• In Saudi Arabia, that is 8 hours and 5 minutes.
• In Turkey, that is 8 hours.
• In Israel, that is 7 hours and 35 minutes.
• In Singapore, that is 7 hours and 28 minutes. 
• In India, that is 7 hours and 18 minutes. 

4) In Africa, adults’ average screen time a day is up to 10 hours and 46 minutes long.

Source: Exploding Topics

• In South Africa, adults spend 10 hours and 46 minutes of average screen time a day.
• In Egypt, that amounts to 8 hours and 2 minutes.

5) In Europe, adults’ average screen time a day is up to 7 hours and 56 minutes long.

Sources: Exploding Topics and Uswitch

• In Portugal, adults spend 7 hours and 56 minutes of average screen time a day.
• In Russia, that amounts to 7 hours and 50 minutes.
• In the United Kingdom, that amounts to at least 5 hours.

Which Adult Age Group Spends the Most Amount of Time on the Screen?

1) Young adults aged 16 to 24 years spend the most amount of daily screen time.

Sources: Elite Content Marketer and Uswitch

• Adults aged 16 to 24 years spend about 4.99 hours of average screen time daily.
• Adults aged 25 to 34 years spend about 4.96 hours.
• Adults aged 35 to 44 years spend about 4.64 hours.
• Adults aged 45 to 54 years spend about 4.85 hours.
• Adults aged 55 years and older spend about 4.73 hours.

2) Millennials spend the most amount of average daily, weekly, and annual screen time.

Source: Elite Content Marketer

• Millennials spend an average screen time of 3 hours and 25 minutes daily. This is projected to be about 24 hours weekly or 1,247 hours (52 days) annually.
• Generation X adults spend 2 hours and 49 minutes daily, which is projected to be about 20 hours weekly or 1,028 hours (43 days) annually.
• Baby boomers spend 2 hours and 16 minutes daily, which is projected to be about 16 hours weekly or 827 hours (34 days) annually.

What Are the Top 4 Activities That Consume Most of Their Screen Time?

1) Watching television comes first, given that average adults do it for up to 4 hours and 30 minutes a day, which covers a maximum of 38% of their average screen time.

Sources: Best Writing, Earth Web, Marketing Charts, Oberlo (1), Statista (1), and Uswitch

• An average adult consumes about 3 hours and 24 minutes to 4 hours a day watching television. This is projected to 24 to 28 hours a week.
• Adults in the United States spend up to 4 hours and 30 minutes a day doing the same activity.
• African American adults spend 3 hours and 14 minutes a day.
• Polish people spend 4 hours and 24 minutes a day.
• These hours altogether make up 34% to 38% of their total screen time.

2) Watching movies and online videos comes second, as typical adults do it for up to 2 hours and 58 minutes a day, which takes a maximum of 28% of their average screen time.

Sources: Marketing Charts, Statista (2), and Statista (3)

• A typical adult consumes 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 58 minutes a day watching movies.
• Adults in the US consume 1 hour and 43 minutes a day watching online videos.
• Such duration takes 23% to 28% of their total screen time.

3) Browsing social media comes third, given that average adults do it for up to 2 hours and 28 minutes a day, which sums up to 24% of their average screen time.

Sources: Exploding Topics, Marketing Charts, Oberlo (1), Oberlo (2), and True List

• Globally, adults consume 2 hours and 28 minutes a day browsing social media, taking up to 24% of their total screen time.
• 40% to 90% of adults in the US spend 2 hours and 14 minutes a day doing the same activity.
• TikTok (45.8 minutes a day), YouTube (45.6 minutes a day), and Twitter (34.8 minutes a day) are the 3 most frequently used social media platforms.

4) Gaming comes fourth, as typical adults do it for up to 1 hour and 13 minutes a day, which consumes a maximum of 16% of their average screen time.

Sources: Marketing Charts and Oberlo (1)

• Typical adults spend 1 hour and 13 minutes a day playing games.
• Such duration takes 12% to 16% of their total screen time.

What Are the Top 4 Gadgets That They Use Most Often?

1) Mobile phone tops the list, given that adults, especially in Asia, use it for up to 5 hours and 47 minutes a day.

Sources: Best Writing, Exploding Topics, and Vision Direct

• Mobile phone is the most widely used gadget, accounting for 55% of global web traffic.
• On average, adults pick up their phones 58 times a day.
• Before the pandemic, adults spent an average screen time of 4 hours and 33 minutes a day on this device. This went up to 5 hours and 2 minutes during the lockdown.
• In American countries, especially Brazil, adults’ average screen time on mobile phones is 5 hours and 25 minutes a day, which accounts for 53% of their total screen time.
• In Asian countries, especially the Philippines, that is up to 5 hours and 47 minutes a day. This takes up 55% of their total screen time.
• In African countries, especially South Africa, that is up to 5 hours and 9 minutes a day. This consumes 48% of their total screen time.
• In European countries, especially Russia, that is up to 3 hours and 39 minutes a day. This covers 47% of their total screen time.

2) Computer comes second, considering that adults, especially in Africa, spend up to 5 hours and 37 minutes a day using it.

Sources: Best Writing, Exploding Topics, and Vision Direct

• Computer is the second most widely used screened device, accounting for 41% of global web traffic, shared by desktop, laptop, tablet, and other types.
• Before the pandemic, adults spent an average screen time of 4 hours and 54 minutes a day on this device. This increased to 5 hours and 10 minutes during the lockdown.
• In American countries, especially Brazil and Colombia, that is up to 4 hours and 45 minutes a day. This makes up 47% to 49% of their total screen time.
• In Asian countries, especially the Philippines, that is up to 4 hours and 40 minutes a day. This takes 45% of their total screen time.
• In African countries, especially South Africa, that is up to 5 hours and 37 minutes a day. This accounts for 52% of their total screen time.
• In European countries, especially Portugal, that is up to 4 hours and 22 minutes a day. This consumes 55% of their total screen time.

3) Television comes third, given that adults use it for up to 5 hours and 9 minutes a day.

Sources: Best Writing, Elite Content Marketer, and Vision Direct 

• Before the pandemic, adults spent an average screen time of 4 hours and 30 minutes on this device daily. This spiked up to 5 hours and 9 minutes during the lockdown.
• Adults, mostly in the US, use this device for 3 hours and 22 minutes to 4 hours and 20 minutes a day.

4) Gaming console is fourth in the list, considering that adults use it for up to 3 hours and 45 minutes a day.

Source: Vision Direct 

• Before the pandemic, adults spent an average screen time of 3 hours and 12 minutes using this device daily. This rose up to 3 hours and 45 minutes during the lockdown.

Which Country Has the Highest Average Daily Screen Time Consumption?

1) Philippines ranks first among the top 15 countries with the highest average daily screen time on mobile phones.

Source: Comparitech 

• Philippines – 5 hours and 47 minutes
• Thailand – 5 hours and 28 minutes
• Brazil – 5 hours and 25 minutes
• Colombia – 5 hours and 9 minutes
• South Africa – 5 hours and 9 minutes
• Argentina – 5 hours and 4 minutes
• Indonesia – 4 hours and 56 minutes
• Malaysia – 4 hours and 49 minutes
• Mexico – 4 hours and 37 minutes
• Saudi Arabia – 4 hours and 35 minutes
• United Arab Emirates – 4 hours and 35 minutes
• Egypt – 4 hours and 25 minutes
• Turkey – 4 hours and 16 minutes
• Taiwan – 4 hours and 12 minutes
• India – 4 hours and 5 minutes

2) South Africa ranks first among the top 15 countries with the highest average daily screen time on computers.

Source: Comparitech 

• South Africa – 5 hours and 37 minutes
• Brazil – 4 hours and 54 minutes
• Colombia – 4 hours and 54 minutes
• Philippines – 4 hours and 40 minutes
• Argentina – 4 hours and 34 minutes
• Portugal – 4 hours and 22 minutes
• Malaysia – 4 hours and 21 minutes
• Mexico – 4 hours and 18 minutes
• Russia – 4 hours and 11 minutes
• Israel – 4 hours and 4 minutes
• United Arab Emirates – 4 hours and 1 minute
• Taiwan – 3 hours and 55 minutes
• Canada – 3 hours and 54 minutes
• Singapore – 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Turkey – 3 hours and 44 minutes

3) Overall, narrowing down the list to the top 10 countries, South Africa makes the highest average screen time worldwide in 2022.

Source: Comparitech 

• South Africa – 10 hours and 46 minutes
• Philippines – 10 hours and 27 minutes
• Brazil – 10 hours and 19 minutes
• Colombia – 10 hours and 3 minutes
• Argentina – 9 hours and 38 minutes
• Malaysia – 9 hours and 10 minutes
• Thailand – 9 hours and 6 minutes
• Mexico – 8 hours and 55 minutes
• Indonesia – 8 hours and 37 minutes
• United Arab Emirates – 8 hours and 36 minutes

What Benefits Do They Get From Spending Time on the Screen?

1) Screen time provides adults with an avenue to express themselves.

Sources: Simplilearn and True List

• 67.4% to 68% of adults utilize their screen time to build an image on social media and demonstrate who they are and what they stand for.
• 33% share photos and videos of their daily activities.
• 29% share their views and opinions on issues they find interesting.
• 20% share details of their personal lives.

2) It allows them to communicate and interact with other people through social media.

Sources: Simplilearn and True List

• 78% of adults take screen time as an opportunity to interact and stay in touch with other people.
• 40% communicate with their friends.
• 27% meet new people and become friends with them.

3) It provides them with entertainment.

Source: Simplilearn

• 37% of adults read and watch entertaining content during their screen time.
• 19% follow celebrities and get updates about them.

4) It gives them access to the latest happenings in the society.

Sources: Data Reportal and Simplilearn

• 69% of adults use their screen time to participate and get involved in things happening in their society through social media.
• 62% read online news.
• 22% catch up on latest news, fashion, trends, and the like.

5) It aids their work and business needs.

Sources: Data Reportal and Simplilearn

• 27% to 52.3% of working adults use their screen time to research about brands and products on social media.
• 24% of them build networks for work and business.
• 19% of hiring managers make hiring decisions based on information they find on social media.

6) It allows them to shop, buy, and promote products online.

Sources: Data Reportal and Simplilearn

• 28.2% to 68.3% of adults buy online products every week.
• 49% promote products they patronize.
• 30% do online window shopping.

What Risks Do They Get From Excessive Screen Time?

1) Too much screen time results in vision problems.

Sources: FE News and UAB Medicine

• Out of 67% to 90% of adults, mostly Americans, who use screened devices for more than 2 hours a day, nearly 60% experience symptoms of digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS).
• Among surveyed office workers in 40 countries, 39.8% suffer from tired eyes, 31.5% from dry eyes, 30.8% from eye discomfort, 30.6% from eye strain, 27.5% from irritated or burning eyes, 26.3% from sensitivity to bright light, 23.4% from blurred vision when looking into a distance, 22.3% from headache, 21.6% from difficulty in refocusing vision, and 17.3% from blurred vision when viewing the computer. All these are caused by too much screen radiation.
• 77% of adults in the UK feel their eyes get strained after a long day’s work on the screen.
• 80% of European millennials using screened gadgets experience eye fatigue.

2) It disturbs their sleep.

Sources: Frontiers and True List

• 40.6% of surveyed adults aged 18 to 24 years have difficulty sleeping due to too much screen radiation.
• Among surveyed Norwegian college and university students, 34.2% of females and 22.2% of males suffer from insomnia.
• Out of over 7,000 American university students, only about 33% meet the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep everyday.

3) It negatively affects their academic performance.

Sources: Inner Drive and True List

• 35.1% of adult students aged 18 to 24 years report that excessive screen time, characterized by overexposure to social media, may result in poor academic performance.
• Research suggests that 4 or more hours of daily screen time may lead to a lack of learning motivation, resulting in lower academic achievement.
• Based on studies, this problem more commonly occurs among older adult students than younger ones because the older ones usually spend more time on the screen and are more psychologically vulnerable.

4) It results in social media addiction.

Sources: Influencer Marketing Hub and True List

• Up to 40% of adult online users aged 18 to 22 years in the US identify themselves as social media addicts because they spend too much time on the screen.
• The same is true for 37% of those aged 23 to 38 years, 26% of those aged 39 to 54 years, and 21% of those aged 55 to 64 years.
• 36.5% of adults can’t survive a day without going online.
• 33.9% of them are afraid to miss out on social media trends.
• 21.6% become restless when they miss time checking messages on social media.
• Globally, more than 200 million people suffer from social media addiction.

5) It may lead to depression and isolation.

Sources: Child Mind, Influencer Marketing Hub, and True List

• Young adults who spend more time browsing social media tend to have a 13% to 66% higher rate of reported depression than those who spend less.
• Those aged 19 to 32 years show signs of social isolation as linked to the amount of time they spend on social media.
• Adults who spend more than 2 hours a day on social media are found to be twice as likely to feel socially isolated than those who spend less.
• Surveyed adults who visit social media 58 times a week are thrice as likely to experience social isolation compared to those who rarely do so.

How Much Average Screen Time is Recommended for Adults?

Sources: Reid Health, Superhuman, Uswitch, and Website Builder

While screens have been an indispensable part of adults’ daily lives, especially in this modern era, moderation is still advised.

For this, experts advise limiting recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours a day.

Did you catch that? It’s recreational screen time, not those hours spent working or studying. But it doesn’t mean you can abuse your health by spending as many hours as you want.

What Are Some Ways to Limit Your Screen Time as an Adult?

1) Establish screen time tracking and management habits.

Sources: Active Health, Henry Ford Health, Reid Health, Scripps, Superhuman, and Time

Set an alarm or timer to limit your recreational screen time to the recommended amount we discussed earlier.

To monitor it, use your device’s built-in screen time tracker. If there’s none, download an app from any online app store.

Another important thing, turn off your screen notifications when and where necessary to avoid distraction, especially when you’re working.

If turning them off is not applicable, at least filter them to urgent ones so you can maximize your screen time by prioritizing important things to do.

2) Take a screen break.

Sources: Active Health, Henry Ford Health, Reid Health, Scripps, Superhuman, and Time

Ophthalmologists recommend following the 20-20-20 rule.

That is, for every 20 minutes spent on the screen, take a 20-second screen break and focus your eyes on an object 20 feet away.

This practice “[relaxes] the eyes from being in [a] prolonged state of accommodation and [focus],” says Dr. Megan Collins, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at The Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute.

In addition, take 3 to 4 hours each day completely detached from the screen, as advised by Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and director at the Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

During your break, get up, stretch out, and move around.

3) Keep screened devices away when and where necessary.

Sources: Active Health, Henry Ford Health, Reid Health, Scripps, Superhuman, and Time

As discussed in our curation articles about screen time recommendations for children and adolescents, screened gadgets are to be set aside during mealtime, bedtime, and other activities dedicated for rest and recreation.

So, don’t bring those devices into the kitchen, dining area, bedroom, bathroom, and the like. With this, you not only avoid disturbance but also protect your gadgets from possible danger.

Concerning bedtime, Dr. Gregory Marcus, the associate chief of cardiology for research at UCSF Health, recommends “leaving your phone in another room. Make it difficult to get [to] your phone so you don’t just naturally reach for it.”

4) Spend more time with real life.

Sources: Active Health, Henry Ford Health, Reid Health, Scripps, Superhuman, and Time

Life doesn’t revolve around the digital world. There’s more to enjoy in the real world.

So, spend time with your family and friends doing the things you love such as playing board games and eating your favorite food.

Engage in music, arts, sports, dance, and other worthwhile activities that actively utilize your physical, mental, and social skills.

You may also want to go out on a nature walk, mountain hike, picnic, camping, sightseeing, and other adventures.

What else do you have in mind?

Let’s Conclude!

1) Adults spend up to 19 hours of average daily screen time, given the following statistics:

• Globally, their average screen time a day is up to 6 hours and 55 minutes long.
• In America, that amounts to about 10 hours and 19 minutes long.
• In Asia, that is about 10 hours and 27 minutes long.
• In Africa, that is about 10 hours and 46 minutes long.
• In Europe, that is about 7 hours and 56 minutes long.

2) Young adults spend the most amount of screen time.

• They are mostly Generation Z and millennial adults aged 16 to 24 years.

3) The top 4 activities that take most of adults’ screen time are the following:

• Watching television
• Watching movies and online videos
• Browsing social media
• Gaming

4) These are the top 4 gadgets they use most often:

• Mobile phone
• Computer
• Television
• Gaming console

5) South Africa has the highest average daily screen time worldwide, based on these findings:

• Philippines ranks first among the top 15 countries with the highest average daily screen time (5 hours and 47 minutes) on mobile phones.
• South Africa ranks first among the top 15 countries with the highest average daily screen time (5 hours and 37 minutes) on computers.
• Overall, South Africa makes 10 hours and 46 minutes while the Philippines only makes 10 hours and 27 minutes.

6) Screen time offers adults the following benefits:

• Opportunity to express themselves
• Means to communicate and interact with other people
• Entertainment
• Access to the latest happenings in the society
• Work and business aid
• Means to shop, buy, and promote products online

7) Screen time poses the following risks on them:

• Vision problems
• Sleep disturbance
• Poor academic performance
• Social media addiction
• Depression and isolation

8) To limit your screen time:

• Establish screen time tracking and management habits
• Take a screen break.
• Keep screened devices away when and where necessary.
• Spend more time with real life.

We Want to Know Your Thoughts

So, you’ve seen that even adults need to take moderation in using the screen.

Now, based on what you’ve learned from this article, how do you think you can manage your own screen time?

Share with us in the comments below.