A new study by data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT has found some maybe not-so-surprising facts about how people feel about their smartphones. After surveying 1,000 participants, they discovered that 45% felt like they were addicted to their phones. That's not all they found out.
45% of Americans Feel Addicted to Their Smartphone
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- You'll likely spend as much time on your phone as you did in school (12 years over a lifetime).
- Gen Z leads the way on phone usage, with Boomers using phones the least.
- Nearly 6 in 10 Americans report using their phone while going to the bathroom.
- More than 3 in 10 people said they couldn't give up their phone for 24 hours.
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Image: Porapak Apichodilok, Pexels
Your life probably revolves around your phone
Researchers also learned a lot about how we use our phones. On average, respondents spent 4 hours and 37 minutes on their phones every day, equaling out to a whole day every other week. With these numbers, they determined that the average phone user will be on their phone for around 12 years of their lives.
Here are some more interesting facts from the study:
- Out of all the generations, Gen Z tends to use their phones the most, with Boomer in last place.
- 56% of Gen Zs felt that they are addicted to their phones, while only 29% of Boomers felt the same.
- 59% of respondents used their phone on the toilet.
- 27% said they text at stoplights.
- 48% admitted to zombie scrolling.
- 70% use their phones for entertainment, while 41% said they use their phone as a distraction.
- 36% believe that they couldn't go without their phone for 24 hours.
Many are trying to change their habits
While the study seemed to uncover some embarrassing bits about phone usage, it also found some hope. Forty percent said that they are trying to cut down on phone time and only 27% felt like they wouldn't succeed.
If you feel like your kiddo needs to limit their phone time, take a look at our top picks for parental control apps and phones for kids.