South Africans have the highest screen time globally. Image: AI Generated/DALLE3
REVEALED: South Africa tops global list for highest screen time
South Africans have the highest screen time globally, spending 58.2% of their waking hours on digital devices, according to a recent study.
South Africans have the highest screen time globally. Image: AI Generated/DALLE3
A recent study by Electronics Hub, which analysed data from DataReportal’s Digital 2023: Global Overview Report, has revealed that South Africans spend the highest percentage of their waking hours in front of screens compared to any other nation.
The report, which looked at trends in 45 developed countries, found that South Africans allocate an astonishing 58.2% of their day to screen time.
Excessive Screen Time a Growing Concern in South Africa
The findings have raised concerns among public health researchers in South Africa, as excessive screen time has been linked to various physical and mental health problems.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that 67% of preschool-age children from affluent households in the country exceed the recommended screen time guidelines.
South Africa Leads in Social Media and PC Usage
South Africans also topped the list for the highest screen time rates for social media and personal computer usage. The study revealed that South Africans dedicate 22.5% of their day to scrolling through social media platforms, with the majority of Facebook users in the country aged between 18 and 35.
Furthermore, South Africans spend more than a quarter (26.7%) of their waking hours using personal computers1. This high rate of PC usage can be attributed to the growth of internet access in the country, which has fuelled a digitally active generation.
Screen Time Trends Across the Globe
While South Africa leads the pack in screen time, other countries also show significant usage rates. Residents in four major South American countries – Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile – spend more than half of their day looking at screens. In contrast, Japan has the lowest screen time rates, with residents allocating just 21.7% of their time to devices.
The study also found that Filipinos spend almost a third (32.5%) of their day using smartphones, closely followed by Brazilians at 32.4%.
Despite owning the most smartphones globally, China’s screen time statistics are significantly lower than most major nations, with users spending just 19.5% of their day on mobile devices.
Finding a Healthy Balance in the Digital Age
As the world becomes increasingly digital, finding a healthy balance between screen time and other activities is crucial. While there are clear guidelines for children’s screen time from the World Health Organisation, experts remain divided on the appropriate usage for adults.
Yalda T. Uhls, a professor of psychology at UCLA, suggests that the focus should be on the type of content consumed online rather than the amount of time spent on screens.
However, creating a healthy balance and being mindful of the time spent online can be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
Some health experts recommend a two-hour daily limit for screen time, including video games. As we navigate the ever-changing online world, it is essential to be aware of our screen time habits and strive for a balanced lifestyle in the digital age.
