Screen time The new reality of modern life

It’s hard these days to even imagine life without a screen. Many people grab their phone upon waking up in the morning before even throwing back the covers, with eyes glued to the screen until late into the night. Everything today is work, studying, and entertainment done by and on mobiles, laptops or tablets. But have you ever considered the toll so much screen time is taking on our body and mind?

How much time do we look at screens each day?

On average, research says people spend more than four to six hours a day looking at screens. And in many societies it’s even higher. Seven to eight hours of screen time is spent by young people. Perhaps you're asking yourself, is that really your time, too?

Average screen time worldwide

A report by Statista says the average smartphone user was spending approximately five hours a day staring at a mobile screen in 2024. Much of this is consumed through social media, video streaming and games.

Consequences of too much screen time: Body From body to mind

The screen time is not only stressful for the eyes, but also for mind. Stress levels skyrocket, sleep is lost, concentration suffers.

Reasons for increased stress

The constant onslaught of notifications, the comparisons to others on social media or having to be online all the time it all wears down our brains. Ever realized you felt agitated when your phone didn't have any notifications? This is a form of stress.

Social media addiction

Apps and platforms like Facebook or TikTok are designed to capture our attention. This means that we end up spending a lot of time there without even realizing it. This is addressing mental health in a bad way.

Sleeping: Blue light and late on the mobile

Using mobile late at night causes late sleep. The blue light from the screen makes our brain active and we will get a poor sleep. Feeling sluggish, with lack of energy to get up from bed in the morning all these are consequences of too much screen time.

Loss of sleep quality

Lots of people claim not to fall asleep right away at night. The prime factor responsible for this is excessive use of mobile phones before going to sleep.

Loss of attention: Why we lose focus

Excessive screen time undermines the steadiness of our attention. An alert during work and the mind goes elsewhere. It’s the same while studying.

Impact on study or work

Those who study will realize that their mind goes elsewhere after some time. They work, they become less productive.

How to control screen time

Everything can be fixed. We can also if we so choose to consciously reduce screen time.

Using the screen time app

Most of us now have a tool that measures screen time. With it, you can see how many hours of screen time are used in a day and even set a limit if you wish.

Specific time limits

Get into the habit of not using your phone or laptop beyond a certain hour during the day. For instance, consider device free screens an hour before bed.

Alternative habits

Reading a book, going for a walk, or speaking directly with family and friends these activities decrease screen time.

Warning for the future

Our lives would not be complete without technology. But out of control screen time is making us very vulnerable, to say stress, sleep problems, and a lack of focus. And if we’re not paying attention now, the consequences may be worse in the future.

How many hours a day do you spend on your screen, on average? Ever wished your life would be better if you used screens less?

While this excessive screen time has become routine in our lives, it is completely within our power to manage. Now you have the power to choose you will be awakened and make changes in your digital life?