The State of Screentime

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.

Stringent Tech Minimalists

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.

Nimbly Managed Digital Lives

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.

Screen-Savvy Children

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.