Consumers & Screentime: Supporting Digital Lives

Published 06 November 2023

Author

8 min read

As people recalibrate from pandemic-era digital overload, they’re adopting new attitudes towards screentime – time spent engaging with phones, computers or TVs. Some are implementing tactics to curb their digital dependence, while others seek a mindful tech equilibrium. These habits offer lessons for brands looking to retain a positive, supportive presence in consumers’ digital lives.

The State of Screentime

Stringent Tech Minimalists

Nimbly Managed Digital Lives

Screen-Savvy Children

Experts estimate that people worldwide are spending about 60-80% more time online now than they did pre-pandemic (Deloitte, 2023). As consumers pass more time with screens, they increasingly understand screentime as a tool that assumes multiple roles and purposes – both good and bad – from connecting with friends and relaxing to numbing uncomfortable feelings.

Jump to section

Some consumers moderate their screentime by placing roadblocks around device use. From apps that block addictive platforms and the rise of dumb phones (sans internet) to the boom in digital detoxes, these techniques appeal to those embracing concepts like digital minimalism and monk mode.

Jump to section

Acknowledging tech’s potential benefits, many people are resetting their screen habits with a mindfulness-first approach. Supported by apps, these consumers embrace “agentic tech use”: they see themselves as having ultimate control over their digital interactions – a mindset that’s linked to better mental health, according to research.

Jump to section

As discussed in Futureproofing Gen Alpha’s Childhood, the debate about kid-appropriate screentime encompasses both education and entertainment. While some governments try to restrict children’s internet access, parents increasingly appreciate educational device use, whether that’s advancing their kids’ academic achievements or teaching them to develop a healthy relationship with technology.

Consumers & Screentime: Supporting Digital Lives

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

Topics

Advertising & Branding

Children & Youth

Consumer Electronics

Internet Culture

Media & Entertainment

Parenting & Families

Social Media

UI/UX

Want to see the full report?

Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.

We already arm more than 500 of the world’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies with the creative insights they need to make transformative business decisions.

We’d love to do the same for you.

Book a demo with us today to discover more.

Membership