45% of Americans Feel Addicted to Their Smartphone

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Need to know from SafeWise
  • 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.

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.

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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. 

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert with over 25 years of experience. She has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. After testing thousands of devices, apps, services, and more, her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Plus, she has tested hundreds of pieces of security and safety equipment over the years. Places published: CBS, MTV, CVS, Rachael Ray, eBay, Reader’s Digest, ConsumerAffairs, and more. Certifications: Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University. Awards: Received the Experience Leader certificate from Authority, putting her “in the top 25% among the thousands of professional content creators analyzed by Authory for the Fall 2023 audit.” You can view more of Alina's work at alinabradford.com.

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