Survey breaks down Americans’ smartphone usage in 2024

Americans’ smartphone usage is on the rise in 2024. According to a survey by Reviews.org, the average person in the US checks their phones 205 times a day. That’s up from 144 times a day last year. The study also shows how people use their phones throughout the day and across generations.

Americans are checking their phones every 5 minutes

According to the survey, Americans spend much of their day staring at their phones. On average, people check their phones every 5 minutes while awake. That’s 2.5 months of the year spent on their devices. The survey also says that’s 42.3% more than in 2023, when the average number of check-ins was much lower.

Interestingly, the study found some surprising habits. For example, 80.6% of people check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up. 65.7% use their phones in the toilet, and 53.7% text someone in the same room. What’s more surprising is that 38.1% use their phones on dates and 27% while driving, despite safety concerns.

One of the most common behaviors in the survey is the quick response to notifications. 76% of Americans check their phones within 5 minutes of getting a notification, with millennials leading the way at 89.5% (within 10 minutes).

Younger generations spend the most time on their phones

Notably, younger people spend the most time on their devices. Gen Z averages 6 hours and 18 minutes of phone use daily. Millennials follow closely at 6 hours and 2 minutes. Gen X, Boomers, and the Silent Generation spend much less time, with the latter averaging 1 hour and 16 minutes daily.

The survey also found that millennials pick up their phones the most, averaging 324 pickups daily. They are also the most anxious when separated from their devices, with 80.8% feeling stressed.

Could such phone usage point to addiction?

The survey raises questions about heavy phone usage as an addiction. Interestingly, despite the increase in usage, 24% fewer people this year reported feeling addicted compared to last year. For example, 54.60% of millennials and 55.80% of Gen Z admit to being addicted.

While opinions vary on whether this is an addiction, the study shows how big a role smartphones play in our lives. But there are growing concerns. Using phones while driving, talking to others, or even on dates is distracting and sometimes dangerous.