Screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing everything from how we work to how we relax. Whether it’s checking emails, streaming videos, or scrolling through social media, many of us spend a significant portion of our day in front of screens.
In fact, the average person worldwide spends around 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on a screen as per Backlinko. However, in the US, this number is even higher, with an average daily screen time of 7 hours and 3 minutes. Alarmingly, nearly half (41%) of American teenagers, aged 13 to 18, surpass 8 hours of screen time each day, underscoring the pervasive nature of technology in younger generations.
VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, Gen Z will have the highest average screen time across all age groups, likely surpassing 9 hours per day, with TikTok leading as the platform with the most daily usage.
These statistics reveal a growing trend that demands deeper exploration into the impact of screen time on our health, productivity, and overall well-being.
Key Insights and Alarming Trends for Average Screen Time
The insights from past data highlights 2025 key statistics and trends on Average Screen Time:
- ⏳By 2025, Gen Z are predicted to have the highest average screen time, likely exceeding 9 hours per day.
- 🌍The Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa will be the top countries leading in the average screen time usage by 2025.
- 🕰️Japan is expected to be the country will lowest average screen times.
- 👨💻Daily average screen time for males and for females will rise to 7 h 30 mins and 8 h 30 mins respectively by 2025.
- 📱TikTok is projected to dominate average screen time among Gen Z and Millennials by 2025.
Disclaimer: These figures are estimates provided by VPNRanks, based on historical data and current trends analyzed through predictive models. They represent potential future scenarios and should not be considered exact predictions. The actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors, including new interventions and changes in online behavior.
Average Screen Time Worldwide by Age: Gen Zs Leads Worldwide
Screen time varies widely depending on age, with younger children typically spending less time on screens compared to teenagers. As digital devices continue to be integrated into daily life, tracking screen time has become essential to understanding its impact on different age groups.
🚨VPNRanks predicts that by 2025 Gen Zs will have the highest average screen time among all age groups, likely exceeding 9 hours per day.
A Look Back at Historical Trends and Data
High usage reflects the growing influence of online platforms, social media, and digital entertainment in daily life
2022
The All About Vision 2022 data in screen time across different age groups, with younger children also becoming more engaged with digital content.
| Age Group | Average Screen Time |
| 0 to 2 years old | 49 minutes per day |
| 2 to 4 years old | 2 to 2.5 hours per day |
| 5 to 8 years old | Over 3 hours per day |
| 8 to 12 years old | Almost 5 hours per day |
| Teens (Gen Z) | Almost 7.5 hours per day |
The data for 2022 highlights the rising screen engagement across all age groups, with digital consumption becoming increasingly prevalent among young children as well as teenagers.
2024
Backlinko Screen time data showed that children and teenagers spent significant amounts of time on digital devices.
- Ages 8 to 12: 5 hours and 33 minutes per day
- Ages 13 to 18 (Gen Z): 8 hours and 39 minutes per day
VPNRanks’ 2025 Projections
By 2025, Gen Zs are projected to have the highest average screen time among all age groups, likely exceeding 9 hours a day.
The increasing prevalence of social media, streaming services, and online learning platforms is expected to contribute to this trend.
Factors Contributing to the Predictions: A Closer Look
- 📈Rising Screen Time Among Gen Z’s: Since 2015, the average screen time for teenagers has risen by 1 hour and 59 minutes, reported by Exploding Topics.
- 📱 Growth of mobile technology: The widespread availability and affordability of smartphones and tablets increase screen time across all age groups, especially among teens.
- 🎥 Popularity of video content: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services dominate entertainment, drawing users to spend more time on screens.
- 💬 Online social interactions: Social media and messaging apps encourage prolonged screen use as teens engage with friends and communities online.
- 🖥️ Remote learning trends: The continuation of online education and digital resources makes screens a crucial tool for learning, further driving screen usage.
- 🎮 Digital entertainment shift: As traditional entertainment (e.g., TV, physical games) moves to digital platforms, children and teens rely more heavily on screens for amusement and relaxation.
Average Screen Time by Country
Screen time varies significantly across countries, with developing nations often showing higher averages compared to developed nations. The rise of mobile connectivity and social media consumption contributes to these differences, making screen time a crucial metric for understanding global digital trends.
🚨VPNRanks predicts that the Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa will continue to have the highest average screen time in 2025. In contrast, Japan is expected to maintain one of the lowest average screen times.
A Look Back at Historical Trends and Data
A study of 2024 by Feel Good Contacts .
| Rank | Country | Average Screen Time | Rank | Country | Average Screen Time |
| 1 | Philippines | 10:56 hours | 22 | Poland | 06:44 hours |
| 2 | Brazil | 10:08 hours | 23 | New Zealand | 06:39 hours |
| 3 | Colombia | 10:07 hours | 24 | India | 06:36 hours |
| 4 | South Africa | 10:06 hours | 25 | Ireland | 06:30 hours |
| 5 | Argentina | 09:39 hours | 26 | United Kingdom | 06:26 hours |
| 6 | Malaysia | 09:17 hours | 27 | Canada | 06:26 hours |
| 7 | Mexico | 09:01 hours | 28 | Italy | 06:22 hours |
| 8 | Indonesia | 08:52 hours | 29 | Sweden | 06:15 hours |
| 9 | Thailand | 08:44 hours | 30 | Australia | 06:13 hours |
| 10 | Taiwan | 08:08 hours | 31 | Spain | 06:11 hours |
| 11 | Singapore | 08:07 hours | 32 | Austria | 05:46 hours |
| 12 | Turkey | 07:57 hours | 33 | Switzerland | 05:40 hours |
| 13 | Russia | 07:52 hours | 34 | South Korea | 05:37 hours |
| 14 | Saudi Arabia | 07:45 hours | 35 | France | 05:37 hours |
| 15 | Egypt | 07:36 hours | 36 | Netherlands | 05:28 hours |
| 16 | Israel | 07:27 hours | 37 | Belgium | 05:28 hours |
| 17 | Romania | 07:26 hours | 38 | Germany | 05:26 hours |
| 18 | United Arab Emirates | 07:24 hours | 39 | China | 05:22 hours |
| 19 | Portugal | 07:20 hours | 40 | Denmark | 05:16 hours |
| 20 | United States | 07:11 hours | 41 | Japan | 04:25 hours |
| 21 | Vietnam | 06:47 hours | – | – | – |
Another report from 2024 by Data Reportal.
| Rank | Country | Average Screen Time | Rank | Country | Average Screen Time |
| 1 | South Africa | 9 hours 24 minutes | 16 | Japan | 3 hours 56 minutes |
| 2 | Brazil | 9 hours 13 minutes | 17 | Denmark | 5 hours 8 minutes |
| 3 | Philippines | 8 hours 52 minutes | 18 | South Korea | 5 hours 19 minutes |
| 4 | Colombia | 8 hours 43 minutes | 19 | Germany | 5 hours 22 minutes |
| 5 | Argentina | 8 hours 41 minutes | 20 | France | 5 hours 22 minutes |
| 6 | Chile | 8 hours 31 minutes | 21 | Belgium | 5 hours 22 minutes |
| 7 | Russia | 8 hours 21 minutes | 22 | Netherlands | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| 8 | Malaysia | 8 hours 17 minutes | 23 | Austria | 5 hours 31 minutes |
| 9 | UAE | 8 hours 11 minutes | 24 | Switzerland | 5 hours 32 minutes |
| 10 | Thailand | 7 hours 58 minutes | 25 | China | 5 hours 33 minutes |
| 11 | Egypt | 7 hours 55 minutes | 26 | Spain | 5 hours 42 minutes |
| 12 | Indonesia | 7 hours 38 minutes | 27 | Norway | 5 hours 46 minutes |
| 13 | Mexico | 7 hours 37 minutes | 28 | Greece | 5 hours 48 minutes |
| 14 | Portugal | 7 hours 30 minutes | 29 | Italy | 5 hours 49 minutes |
| 15 | Bulgaria | 7 hours 29 minutes | 30 | UK | 6 hours 2 minutes |
VPNRanks’ 2025 Projections
Based on the data from the two studies:
VPNRanks predicts that the Philippines, Brazil and South Africa will continue to have the highest average screen time in 2025, potentially reaching around 11 hours, 10 hours and 9 hours and 30 minutes per day respectively.
Japan is expected to continue having one of the lowest average screen times, likely remaining around 4 hours and 30 minutes per day.
Factors Contributing to the Predictions: A Closer Look
- 📱 Mobile internet expansion: Countries like the Philippines, Brazil, and South Africa are seeing rapid mobile internet adoption, driving up screen time.
- 🎮 Digital entertainment: Streaming platforms, mobile gaming, and social media contribute significantly to high screen time in countries with younger populations and growing internet access.
- 💼 Cultural and work-life balance: In nations like Japan, where work-life balance and offline activities are prioritized, screen time remains relatively low, as people focus on non-digital activities.
Average Screen Time by Gender: Females Leading Worldwide
The data reveals a consistent trend in the difference between male and female screen time usage worldwide. Males, on average, have less daily screen time compared to females across all the recorded years. This gender disparity suggests that various lifestyle, social, and work-related factors may influence how much time individuals from each gender spend on their devices.
🚨VPNRanks projects that by 2025, the daily average screen time for males will rise to 7 hours and 30 minutes, while for females, it will reach 8 hours and 30 minutes.
A Look Back at Historical Trends and Data
dcdx reported gender for Gen Z differences in screen time usage worldwide for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
2021:
- 👨Male screen time: 5 hours 55 minutes 27 seconds
- 👩Female screen time: 7 hours 3 minutes 10 seconds
Comparision: Females spent significantly more time on screens, likely due to higher engagement with social media and communication platforms.
2022:
- 👨Male screen time: 6 hours 9 minutes 48 seconds
- 👩Female screen time: 6 hours 40 minutes 17 seconds
Comparision: A slight increase in screen time for both genders, possibly due to increased reliance on digital tools during the post-pandemic period.
2023:
- 👨Male screen time: 6 hours 36 minutes 23 seconds
- 👩Female screen time: 7 hours 48 minutes 57 seconds
Comparision: A further rise in screen time, with females showing the largest increase, reflecting growing engagement in digital platforms for both personal and professional activities.
2024 (Q1):
According to a recent report of 2024 for quarter 1 by Statista.
- 👨 Male screen time: (16-24 years): 7 hours 1 minute
- 👩 Female screen time: (16-24 years): 7 hours 16 minutes
Comparision: Younger users are spending more time online, with females leading the way in internet usage across all demographics.
VPNRanks’ 2025 Projections
These projections are based on the continuous rise in digital reliance and the growing integration of digital devices in both work and personal spheres.
By 2025, VPNRanks predict that male daily average screen time will increase to 7 hours 30 minutes and female screen time to 8 hours 30 minutes.
Factors Contributing to the Predictions: A Closer Look
Several factors justify the projected increase in screen time for both genders by 2025:
- 💻 Remote Work: More people working from home means higher reliance on screens for professional tasks.
- 🎮 Social Media & Entertainment: Streaming services, social media, and online platforms will continue to dominate, increasing screen engagement.
- 🕶️ Emerging Technologies: AR, VR, and enhanced streaming options will push screen time even further by providing more immersive digital experiences.
Average Screen Time Spent on Social Media Apps: TikTok Dominates
Social media usage continues to grow globally, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube leading in terms of daily screen time.
🚨VPNRanks projected that TikTok will have the most average screen time spent per day by 2025 among both Gen Z and Millennials.
A Look Back at Historical Trends and Data
Different age groups tend to favor specific platforms, highlighting the impact of demographic preferences on social media engagement.
Top 3 Apps in 2022 (by dcdx.co)
- 15-20 year-olds: TikTok, Instagram, Youtube
- 21-27 year-olds: TikTok, Instagram, iMessage
Top 3 Apps in 2023 (by dcdx.co)
- 15-20 year-olds: TikTok, Instagram, iMessage
- 21-27 year-olds: TikTok, Instagram, iMessage
2024 Data (by SlickText)
| App | Average Time Spent Per Day |
| TikTok | 67 minutes |
| YouTube | 55 minutes |
| 9 minutes | |
| Snapchat | 7 minutes |
| 39 minutes | |
| 31 minutes |
VPNRanks’ 2025 Projections
Based on current trends,
TikTok is projected to have the most average screen time spent per day by 2025 among both Gen Z and Millennials.
Factors Contributing to TikTok’s Dominance: A Closer Look
- 🏆Leading App: Usage continued to rise, with an average daily time of 67 minutes in 2024.
- 🎥Short-Form Content Popularity: TikTok’s quick, engaging video format appeals strongly to both Gen Z and Millennials, encouraging prolonged usage.
- 🌟Cultural Trends: The platform’s influence on pop culture, trends, and viral content has solidified its place as a daily essential for younger users.
- 🤖Personalized Content Algorithms: TikTok’s highly tailored For You” page keeps users engaged longer than traditional social platforms, maximizing screen time.
- 👥Increased Creator Engagement: With a rise in user-generated content and influencer culture, both generations are increasingly drawn to TikTok’s participatory nature.
Source
VPNRanks’ Methodological Breakdown: Prediction with Precision
- 📊 Data Collection: VPNRanks gathers data from various reliable sources, including industry reports, user surveys, and analytics tools to track screen time usage trends globally.
- 📈 Trend Analysis: The team examines historical data from previous years to identify emerging patterns and shifts in average screen time across different demographics and regions.
- 🌐 Market Insights: Analysis of market factors, such as the rise of digital technologies, social media app popularity, and changes in remote work trends, is incorporated to forecast future screen time behavior.
- 🧠 Expert Consultations: VPNRanks collaborates with industry experts, digital behavior analysts, and technology consultants to validate assumptions and improve the accuracy of predictions.
- 🌍 Global Comparisons: VPNRanks compares screen time usage across various countries to identify high and low usage regions, ensuring a comprehensive global outlook.
Explore More In-Depth Statistics and Reports by VPNRanks
- YouTube Statistics: The latest YouTube trends with in-depth insights on user behavior, engagement, and global video consumption patterns.
- Fake Reviews: Uncover the alarming rise of fake reviews and their impact on consumer trust in today’s digital marketplace.
- Fake News: Explore how fake news spreads across platforms and the challenges in curbing misinformation in the digital age.
- Social Media Addiction: A comprehensive look at the growing issue of social media addiction and its effects on mental health and daily life.
- Mobile Payment Scams: A comprehensive analysis of the rising threat of mobile payment fraud and its impact on financial security and consumer trust.
Conclusion
The data on average screen time statistics highlights a concerning upward trend in digital device usage across all demographics. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and the growing influence of digital technologies in everyday life, individuals are spending more time on screens than ever before.
This increase is especially prominent among younger generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials, who lead in daily screen time consumption. The report underscores the need for awareness and solutions to manage screen time in an increasingly connected world.
![How to Fix Cisco VPN Error 412? [Updated 2023]](https://www.vpnranks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/How-to-Fix-Cisco-VPN-Error-412-300x300.jpg)
