Member Article

UK Consumers Spend 50 Days a Year on Smartphones Reveals Survey

Nearly four out of 10 people now use screen time tracking as a way to monitor their own or children’s phone usage – but it seems they’re not concerned about how long they’re spending online.

44.25 per cent of the 2,077 people surveyed said they were ‘definitely happy’ with the amount of time they spend looking at their phone each day, with a further 39.5 per cent OK with it.

According to the new survey, the average screen time in the UK is 3 hours and 23 minutes per day – a whopping 50 days every year; this rises significantly in the 16-24 age group who spend four hours a day on their mobiles (60 days a year).

The new report has been released in the same week that Apple confirmed that it has been removing some screen time tracking apps from the App Store because of security concerns.

Age Matters There were significant differences in the findings between age groups. 60% of 16 to 25 year olds track their screen time versus just 20% of the over 50s. On average 16 to 25 year olds spend an hour longer every day on their mobiles compared to the 45 and older age group (average 3 hours). 16 to 25 year olds are the most unhappy with the amount of time spent on mobiles (26% said they are not happy with the amount of time they spend online)

Anywhere, any time Despite its ‘mobile’ element, most people use their smartphones while watching TV (64% use their mobiles in front of the telly). This was followed closely by people using their devices in bed (55%), on the bus or train (34%) and at work (33%).

The survey was carried out by Code Computerlove and the agency’s managing director, Louis Georgiou said: “Both Apple and Google now offer functionality that helps people track their screen-time and control usage habits, and other screen time tracking apps are available in the App Store. With accurate insight into how long they spend on smartphones, we wanted to delve deeper to find out what people thought about the amount of time they were actually spending on their smartphones.

“Digital wellbeing is a major industry trend for 2019, with much debate about responsible use of tech and the ethics behind digital marketing that’s designed to keep consumers engaged and online. There are also increasing reports on the negative effects of social media and internet addiction in consumer media.

“However, our findings revealed that on the whole it seems British adults are generally happy spending a whole day out of their seven day week on their phones.

“Positive feelings about having a mobile also outweighed negative feelings in the report. The feeling of ‘connection’ came out as the top response (38%) followed closely by satisfaction (37%). Empowerment (16%) and gratitude (15%) were other positive emotions relating to smartphone usage. The numbers reporting negative feelings were lower - guilt (13%), anxiety (11%), shame (9%) and despair (5%).
“There is a need for businesses to continually strive to create digital experiences that support, rather than undermine, people’s wellbeing. In fact the survey also revealed that 58 per of people feel that companies and social media businesses should be accountable for delivering ‘responsible tech’ and helping people to reduce their screen time. “There is a growing part of society that is looking for brands that can demonstrate ethical behaviour, and we’re keen to continue to support organisations such as the BBC who are creating digital products that help to promote digital wellbeing and, in particular, help to safeguard younger audiences from the negative effects of social media and online messaging.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kirsty Hunt .