How Long Do We Spend Online? Surprising Stats on Global Internet Usage and Screen Time

  The amount of time we spend online each day is growing faster than ever. From scrolling on social media to streaming videos and playing ga...

 

The amount of time we spend online each day is growing faster than ever. From scrolling on social media to streaming videos and playing games, internet use has become a major part of our lives. But how much time do people actually spend on the internet? And which age groups or countries lead the way in daily screen time?

In this post, we’ll reveal the latest global screen time statistics, look at which age group spends the most time on the internet, and highlight where people are spending their time online. The results might surprise you!

How Long Do We Spent Online

1. How Long Do We Spend Online? A Global Look at Average Time Spent Online per Day

In 2024, the average time spent online per day by internet users worldwide is estimated to be around 6 hours and 58 minutes. This includes time spent across various activities—browsing, streaming, social media, and more. This daily screen time adds up to about 2,540 hours per year per person, the equivalent of over 105 days spent online annually.

Factors contributing to this high daily average include increased access to smartphones, faster internet speeds, and the rise of remote work and digital entertainment. For example:

• Social media alone accounts for about 2 hours and 31 minutes of daily internet use per person worldwide.

• Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube also contribute significantly, with people spending hours watching content every day.

2. Which Age Group Spends the Most Time on the Internet?

When we break down internet usage by age, certain trends stand out. Studies show that younger generations—particularly those between 16 and 24 years old—spend the most time online. On average, this group spends 8+ hours per day on various internet platforms. Here’s how usage varies across age groups:

• 16–24 years: Over 8 hours daily, mostly on social media and streaming platforms.

• 25–34 years: Around 7 hours daily, with a balance of social media, streaming, and online shopping.

• 35–54 years: Approximately 6 hours per day, mostly on news sites, social media, and productivity tools.

• 55+ years: Roughly 4 hours per day, primarily on news sites and online games.

These patterns highlight how younger generations drive the demand for digital media and social platforms, while older generations prioritize information and leisure.

3. How Much Time Do People Spend on Social Media? Average Time Spent on Social Media per Day by Country

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become essential parts of daily life for billions worldwide. The average time spent on social media per day is currently about 2 hours and 31 minutes globally, but this number varies significantly across different regions:

• Philippines: Leading with over 4 hours daily on social media, the highest in the world.

• Brazil: Around 3 hours and 45 minutes, driven by a highly social culture.

• India: Approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes spent on social platforms daily.

• United States: Just under 2 hours, with a high focus on social media for news and entertainment.

• United Kingdom: Around 1 hour and 48 minutes, as users balance social media with other online activities.

These statistics reveal fascinating cultural differences in social media habits and underscore how regions with high internet access tend to have higher social media engagement.

4. Balancing Screen Time: The Rise of Digital Well-being

With screen time on the rise, health experts have started to emphasize the importance of balancing our online and offline lives. Spending excessive time on social media or online in general has been linked to various health concerns, such as eye strain, poor sleep, and reduced mental well-being.

To combat this, many people are now actively monitoring their internet usage to ensure a healthier balance. Here are a few tips to reduce screen time:

• Set daily limits on apps that consume a lot of your time.

• Take frequent breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

• Disable notifications from non-essential apps to reduce distractions.

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