A recent study revealed that the average American loses about 36 days per year to content consumption, spending hours scrolling, streaming, and binge-watching. The survey, conducted with 2,000 participants, highlighted that many people feel they waste around three days each month due to excessive media use.
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are hit harder, with many reporting they lose nearly five days each month to screens. This overconsumption is often linked to feelings of guilt, with most Americans experiencing guilt three times per month over their media habits.
On average, Americans consume six hours of content per day, with Gen Z averaging closer to seven hours. The study also found a clear connection between poor mental health and higher media consumption. Those with "very poor" mental health report losing up to six days per month to content consumption, while almost 20% feel they waste 15 or more days.
In contrast, people with good or excellent mental health lose fewer days, with a reported average of 2.7 days per month. These findings correlate with guilt, as those with poorer mental health experience guilt more frequently—up to seven times per month.
Nearly half of respondents believe they consume too much media, with over a third saying social media negatively affects their mood. Gen Z stands out, with 66% feeling they are over-consuming.
Experts like Dr. Sham Singh recommend strategies to manage screen time, such as creating tech-free zones, setting phone-use intentions, and reflecting on content consumption to reduce the negative impacts of excessive media use.
Source
Photo: Getty