Gen Zers spend more than seven hours a day on their phones

According to the DCDX’s “2023 3rd Annual Gen Z Screen Time Report,” Generation Z Americans, aged 15 to 27, spent an average of seven hours and seven minutes a day on their smartphones in 2023. This screen time, which increased by 6.5% compared to 2022, was mainly spent on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and messaging.

The report investigates the connection between young Americans and technology, and particularly their cellphones, for the third consecutive year. It reveals that screen time for Gen Zers is seven hours and seven minutes per day, and 49 hours and seven minutes per week, up by 6.5% in one year. The Gen Z average exceeds the global mobile screen time average by 104%, and the US average by 92%.

Despite the increase in mobile screen time in 2023, young people seem to be less troubled by notifications. Respondents picked up their phones less (-7%) and received fewer notifications (-0.8%).

The study explains that while users are less tempted to look at their phone every time they receive a notification, once unlocked, they stay on their mobile longer.

Additionally, there is a difference within Generation Z itself, with younger users spending more time on their phones than older users in this age bracket.

According to the research, 15-20 year-olds spend an average of 7 hours and 34 minutes a day on their phone, while 21-27 year-olds spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes a day.

Women spend more time on their smartphones, reaching seven hours and 48 minutes a day, compared to five hours and 55 minutes for men. Women are less likely to pick up their phones, at 149 times a day, compared to 163 times for men. This time, the upward trend is stronger among young American men than among women.

ALSO READ: Greek parliament approves private foreign universities, bucking protests

On average, young people surveyed spent eight hours and 59 minutes a week on TikTok, an increase of 51%. As for Instagram, Gen Zers spent an average of seven hours and 41 minutes per week on the app, an increase of 23% compared to 2022.

This report is based on data collected from a network of 200,000 members of Generation Z, aged between 15 and 27, who were paid to send video recordings of their iPhone screen time settings.