UK adults online for 76% of waking hours, study finds
The average adult in the UK spends approximately 76% of their waking hours online, according to recent research conducted by business comparison experts at Bionic.
This means that the typical person is connected to the internet for about 13 hours and 2 minutes each day. These figures illustrate the extent to which the digital age has permeated everyday life and highlight concerns regarding the potential long-term consequences of such high levels of screen time.
Over a lifetime, these daily habits accumulate significantly. Bionic's research calculatively projects that, throughout the entirety of an average British lifespan of 81 years, individuals will spend around 312,805 hours online. Astonishingly, this amounts to 36 consecutive years dedicated to screen time.
The study underscores the impact of work-related internet usage on these figures, revealing that adults in the UK will spend about 223,015 hours online over the course of their careers. This equates to approximately 25 years or 9,292 full days spent on work-related digital activities. The rise of digitally-centric occupations is evident, with a study from Microsoft indicating that 82% of UK jobs now require digital skills.
Outside of the work environment, social media is a significant contributor to screen time. The report highlights that TikTok's "Give your thumbs a break" advert, designed to notify users after prolonged usage, has been viewed 907 million times. This suggests that nearly a billion people have exceeded recommended usage guidelines on the app.
In response to concerns about the adverse health effects of excessive screen time, such as headaches, eyestrain, and poor sleep, there has been a significant increase in the search for mitigating solutions. For instance, online searches for blue light filtering glasses for work have surged by 70% over the past year.
To address these concerns, Susan Leigh, a counsellor and member of the Stress Management Society, offered four expert tips on reducing screen time outside of work. These lifestyle shifts are aimed at lessening the reliance on digital devices and promoting healthier habits.
Firstly, Leigh recommends setting a cut-off time for phone usage. “Have a cut-off time, for example, 9 pm when you switch off your phone and spend time with family or with a good book,” she advises. This establishes a clear boundary between online and offline time, allowing for more meaningful offline interactions and relaxation.
Secondly, being more efficient when checking updates can also reduce time spent online. Leigh suggests, “Agree to be more time efficient and check your updates maybe three times a day, first thing, midday and at 6 pm. Unless you’re monitoring an emergency situation, there’s unlikely to be something that cannot wait an hour or so.” This approach helps limit unnecessary screen time and the distractions that come with constant notifications.
Another strategy involves social settings. Leigh notes that some groups put all their phones in the centre of the table when going out. “The first one to look has to pay the bill!” she says. This encourages more personal interactions and reduces the temptation to check devices.
Lastly, Leigh suggests a gradual reduction in phone dependency. “If there’s apprehension at being without your phone, why not wean yourself off it gradually? Tell the people who need to know where you are so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency,” she explains. This method allows for a smoother transition towards reduced screen time.
The findings of Bionic's study shed light on the significant portion of life spent online and provide useful guidance on how individuals can begin to reclaim more of their free time from digital screens.
