A new study by Electronics Hub reveals a fascinating truth – South Africans reign supreme in the realm of screen time! Clocking in at a staggering 9 hours and 24 minutes, or 56.8% of their waking hours, South Africans lead the pack when it comes to daily screen use.
This research, which combines data from DataReportal and Sleep Cycle, delves into various screen time categories across different devices. Interestingly, the issue of screen time isn’t entirely new. Concerns about excessive television viewing have been around since the mid-20th century. However, the modern world throws a multitude of screens our way, from binge-worthy shows to attention-grabbing apps. It’s no surprise then, as Electronics Hub points out, that nearly half of Americans admit to feeling digitally addicted.
For many, screen time is an integrated part of the workday. Yet, for others, it becomes a comforting companion after a long day’s work. South Africa’s screen time dominance extends beyond overall usage; they also claim the top spot for phone-specific screen time, averaging 5 hours and 15 minutes daily (31.72% of waking hours). This trend is likely due to the affordability and accessibility of mobile phones in developing economies, making them the primary gateway to the internet.
While South Africa takes the phone-time crown, the US remains the television champion. Americans dedicate an average of 4 hours and 39 minutes (28.35% of their waking hours) to TV viewing daily. Interestingly, South Africa follows closely behind with a daily average of 4 hours and 5 minutes (24.67%).
The landscape shifts when it comes to computer usage. Here, Russia takes the lead, with an average daily screen time of 4 hours and 5 minutes, translating to 27.07% of their waking hours. South Africa nabs the silver medal again, averaging the same daily computer screen time (25.08%).
However, South Africa steps off the podium when it comes to gaming. This is likely due to the higher costs associated with gaming compared to phone and TV use. Saudi Arabia reigns supreme in the gaming realm, with an average daily screen time of 1 hour and 43 minutes (10.02% of their waking hours).
The study by Electronics Hub paints a clear picture: affordable mobile phones and accessible internet have made screens ubiquitous in our daily lives. While South Africa stands out for its overall and phone-specific screen time, usage patterns differ across categories, highlighting the influence of economic factors and cultural preferences.
