A new survey by Reviews.org reveals a staggering fact: the average American checked their smartphone 205 times a day in 2024.
This means, on average, people reached for their phones every five minutes throughout the day. Over the course of the year, this adds up to two and a half months spent checking their devices.
This is a 42.3% increase compared to 2023, when the average American checked their phone 144 times a day.
The rise in phone usage could be partly due to the 2024 election or just the constant flow of news and updates people feel compelled to follow.
So, what are Americans doing during these 205 daily phone checks? The survey found:
- 80.6% check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up.
- 65.7% use their phones while in the bathroom.
- 53.7% text people in the same room.
- 38.1% use their phones during dates.
- 27% look at their phones while driving.
Notifications play a big role, too. A huge 76% of people check their phones within five minutes of receiving a notification.
The survey also shows how phone usage varies across generations. Gen Z spends the most time on their phones, averaging 6 hours and 18 minutes a day.
Millennials follow closely with 6 hours and 2 minutes. Gen Xers spend 4 hours and 54 minutes, while Boomers use their phones for 3 hours and 18 minutes. The Silent Generation spends just 1 hour and 16 minutes on their smartphones.
Millennials are the most likely to check their phones frequently, averaging 324 times a day. They also experience the most anxiety when they lose their phones, with 80% admitting they feel anxious without it.
Despite this, fewer people reported feeling addicted to their phones this year, with a 23% drop in the number of people admitting smartphone addiction.
For those looking to reduce screen time, one suggested method is to switch your phone to greyscale, which can make the screen less appealing and reduce usage.
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