Americans Are Spending More Time on Screens Than Ever: The Impact, Benefits, and Drawbacks of Our Digital Age

April 07, 2025,

Author: Researched and prompted by Soraima.

In today’s digital era, screens have become an essential part of daily life—whether it’s smartphones, laptops, TVs, or gaming consoles. For Americans, this increased reliance on technology has led to an average screen time that surpasses the global average, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges of a hyper-connected society.

As of 2025, statistics reveal that Americans are spending more time on screens than many of their international peers. Let’s dive into the data, explore real-world examples, and evaluate the pros and cons of this trend.

The Numbers: How Americans Stack Up

Globally, the average person spends about 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on internet-connected screens, according to recent data. In the United States, however, that figure climbs to 7 hours and 3 minutes—an extra 23 minutes each day that sets Americans apart. While this difference might seem minor, over the course of a year, it adds up to more than 140 additional hours of screen time.

Digging deeper, American adults spend around 4 hours and 37 minutes on their smartphones daily, while connected TVs account for nearly 3 hours and 49 minutes of streaming content. Teenagers, especially those from lower-income households, push these numbers even higher, averaging 9 hours and 19 minutes per day—more than two hours above the national average and significantly higher than the global norm.

For comparison, South Africa leads the pack with 9 hours and 24 minutes of screen time daily, while Japan lags behind with just 3 hours and 56 minutes. The Philippines, with its heavy mobile usage, averages about 10 hours per day, but the U.S. still remains notably above the global midpoint, placing it among the top screen-time consumers worldwide.

Examples of American Screen Time in Action

1. The Smartphone Obsession: Imagine a typical American morning—commuters scrolling through social media, checking emails, or catching up on the latest news. Americans spend about 2 hours and 9 minutes daily on social platforms like YouTube (used by 85% of U.S. adults), Facebook (70%), and TikTok (33%). This mobile-centric behavior contrasts with countries like the UK, where desktop usage slightly outpaces mobile at 2 hours and 57 minutes versus 2 hours and 39 minutes.

   
   

2. Streaming Culture: After a long workday, many Americans unwind by streaming shows on services like Netflix or Disney+, contributing to the 3+ hours of daily TV screen time. For instance, a family in suburban Ohio might spend their evening binge-watching Bridgerton (21 billion minutes streamed in the U.S.) or Bluey (55.62 billion minutes on Disney+), far surpassing the global average of 1 hour and 25 minutes spent on music streaming alone.

   
   

3. Teen Screen Surge: American teens, particularly those in urban areas, reflect the high end of this trend. A 16-year-old in Los Angeles might spend over 3 hours watching videos, another 2 hours gaming, and additional time texting or browsing TikTok, totaling well over 8 hours daily. This is starkly higher than teens in Japan, who average closer to 30 minutes of gaming per day.

   
   

Pros of High Screen Time

• Connectivity and Access: Screens keep Americans connected to the world. Remote work and online learning depend on this technology. A software developer in Seattle can collaborate with a team in India, all thanks to hours spent on video calls and coding platforms.

• Entertainment and Relaxation: With busy schedules, streaming services offer a convenient escape. A single parent in Texas might use those 3 hours of TV time to unwind after a long day, enjoying content tailored to their preferences.

• Productivity Boost: For many, screen time isn’t all leisure—it’s work. Graphic designers, writers, and data analysts rely on screens, contributing to economic output. Teens also use screens for homework or skill-building via platforms like Khan Academy.

  
  

Cons of High Screen Time

• Health Impacts: Excessive screen time takes a toll. Studies link more than 2 hours of daily screen time for kids to social, emotional, and attention issues, while adults report eye strain, insomnia, and neck pain from prolonged use. A New York office worker staring at a laptop for 5 hours and then switching to their phone for another 4 hours might struggle with sleep due to blue light exposure.

  
  

• Mental Well-Being: American teens averaging 9+ hours face heightened risks of anxiety and depression. A 2023 survey found that 27.1% of teens who spent 4+ hours daily on screens reported anxiety symptoms—this is a concern less pronounced in countries with lower averages, like Japan.

  
  

• Lost Opportunities: Time spent on screens often replaces physical activity or in-person interaction. A Chicago family glued to devices for 7 hours might miss out on a walk in the park, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle linked to obesity.

Striking a Balance

While Americans’ screen time exceeds the global average, this trend isn't inherently negative—it's a reflection of a tech-savvy, fast-paced society. The benefits, such as connectivity and entertainment, are undeniable, but the downsides, particularly around health and well-being, cannot be ignored.

For instance, a California teen cutting back from 9 hours to 6 hours by swapping TikTok for soccer practice could improve their mood and fitness without sacrificing all digital fun.

For Americans, the challenge lies in moderation. Simple steps—like no screens during meals or a tech-free hour before bed—can maximize the benefits while reducing the drawbacks.

As screens continue to dominate daily life, understanding this balance will be crucial for thriving in a digital world where the U.S. stands out, for better or worse, above the global average.