90 Smartphone Addiction Statistics You Must See: 2024 Usage and Data Analysis

If there’s anything that most deserves the claim to be a man’s best friend in the modern age, it has got to be the smartphone. Mobile devices have penetrated every type of human activity. Nearly everyone uses one at home, school, work, and during times of leisure. So much so that not having access to a mobile phone paved the way for an actual phobia, nomophobia. As such, understanding the current smartphone addiction statistics is important to get a grasp of how serious it really is.

In this article, we shine a light on smartphone usage and habits. It also tackles how much these devices are leveraged by businesses alongside platforms like social media management software. Moreover, it broaches the harmful effects of heavy usage and what you can do to avoid them. Lastly, the write-up covers the effects of COVID-19 on smartphone usage, with most people forced to stay home. Knowing the latest smartphone addiction statistics can help you curb the condition.

General Smartphone Addiction Statistics

Smartphones have become part of everyone’s daily routines. In fact, the number of smartphone and mobile phone users globally has surpassed half of the world’s population. Meanwhile, phones have long overtaken desktops as the most preferred medium for browsing the web. This signals the ubiquity of smartphones in people’s lives. And anything that commands this much attention can easily spiral to addiction. This is perhaps, in part, due to the fact that phones have become a foremost source of news, entertainment, and the latest updates from friends and followers.

• There are 5.22 billion smartphone users in the world. This accounts for 66.6% of the global population (DataReportal, 2021).
• Moreover, the number of smartphone users increased by 1.8% from January 2020 to January 2021. This equates to 93 million new users (DataReportal, 2021).
• There are 4.88 billion mobile phones around the world, of which 3.8 billion are smartphones (BankMyCell, 2021).
• As of February 2021, 54.46% of web users use smartphones to browse the internet (StatCounter, 2021).
• 92.6% of users have also accessed the internet using a mobile device (DataReportal, 2021).
• By 2025, 72% of web users will solely be using smartphones to surf the net (CNBC, 2019).
• On average, a person spends 6 hours and 54 minutes on the internet (DataReportal, 2021).
• With this, a web user, on average, spends 3 hours and 39 minutes browsing the internet on mobile (DataReportal, 2021).
• 96% of Americans own a mobile device (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• Furthermore, 81% of Americans own a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• The global average mobile connection speed is 47.2 Mbps (DataReportal, 2021).
• There are 10.36 billion mobile connections worldwide (BankMyCell, 2021).
• The country that spends the most time on the internet via mobile daily is the Philippines with an average of 5 hours and 54 minutes (DataReportal, 2021).

Smartphone Usage Statistics

Given that smartphones are mini-computers, they can take on a wide variety of functions. This grants users a lot of dimensions to enjoy the device. Unfortunately, too much enjoyment can be counterproductive. As the smartphone addiction statistics suggest, mobile phones prove to be huge distractions in school and at work. This causes dips in productivity. However, app statistics show they can also aid professionals in performing their duties.

• Americans open their phones 160 times a day, or once in 9 minutes (TechRepublic, 2020).
• On average, a person spends 4 hours and 10 minutes on mobile devices daily (DataReportal, 2021).
• This represents an increase of 20% from 2020 to 2021 (DataReportal, 2021).
• Delving deeper, a user clicks, taps, and swipes their phone 2,617 times daily (BankMyCell, 2021).
• 43.5% of users unlock their phones between 51 and 100 times daily (Android Authority, 2020).
• 87% of users check their smartphone within 1 hour before going to sleep and after waking up (BankMyCell, 2021).
• Moreover, 69% of users do so within 5 minutes (Bank My Cell, 2021).
• In addition, 73.4% of users fiddle with their phones while on the toilet (TechRepublic, 2020).
• Meanwhile, 66% of users sleep with their smartphones (TechRepublic, 2020).
• Interestingly, 45% of users would rather not have sex for a year than give up their phones (Reviews.org, 2020).
• After all, 32.7% of users spend more time with their phones than their lovers (Reviews.org, 2020).
• 86% of users check their phones even if they are talking to friends and family (BankMyCell, 2021).
• With this, 87.8% of users feel anxious when they leave their phones at home (Reviews.org, 2020).

Smartphone Usage in School

• 49% of students are distracted by phones and other gadgets in class (Inside Higher Ed, 2019).
• After all, students, on average, check their phones more than 11 times a day (Oxford Learning, 2019).
• Moreover, smartphone usage statistics show that students spend about 20% of their time in class texting and checking social media (Oxford Learning, 2019).
• For this reason, 80% of schools have a policy that restricts the use of mobile phones in class (EdWeek, 2019).
• Students who didn’t use smartphones wrote 62% more information in their notes (CNBC, 2019).
• 45% of teens admit that they are constantly online. This includes the time that they are in class (CNBC, 2019).
• As such, 76.19% of teachers believe smartphones are distracting students in class (SlickText, 2019).
• Meanwhile, 46.4% of parents want educators to find ways to integrate the use of cell phones with lessons more (SlickText, 2019).

Smartphone Usage at Work

• 62% of employees believe that the use of mobile devices helped them become more productive (TRUCE Software, 2021).
• 56% of workers also believe that it’s their right to use their personal smartphones at work (TRUCE Software, 2021).
• 36% of workers rely on their mobile phones to get work done (TRUCE Software, 2021).
• However, 46% of employees think that being always connected via their phones affects their work-life balance (TRUCE Software, 2021).
• Moreover, workers waste 56 minutes per day using their phones in non-work activities. This means, every week, almost five productive hours are lost to smartphones (Business News Daily, 2020).
• What’s more, 55% of employees admit that they are often distracted by their smartphones (Business News Daily, 2020).
• 80% of employees receive automatic notifications on their phones. These can distract them at work (TRUCE Software, 2020).
•  25% of workers have illicitly used their phones during meetings (TRUCE Software, 2020).
• 51% of the workforce have answered work-related calls while driving (TRUCE Software, 2020).

Cell Phone Usage Statistics by Age

Millennials lead the pack in terms of smartphone usage and ownership, and for good reason. Many of the people in this generation are in the working realm, thus they have a variety of uses for smartphones. Besides using phones for leisure, cell phone usage statistics by age also show that they leverage the device at work.

• The 18 to 29 age bracket has the largest share of smartphone owners at 96%. This is followed by the 30 to 49 age bracket (92%), 50 to 64 age bracket (79%), and the 65 and older age bracket (53%) (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• But when it comes to mobile device ownership, all the aforesaid age groups are at over 90% (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• In terms of generation, millennials have the highest smartphone user base at 94%. They are followed by Gen X (88.8%), Gen Z (72.8%), and Baby Boomers (68.1%) (eMarketer, 2020).
• On average, Gen Zers receive their first mobile phone when they are 10.3 years old (MarketingWeek, 2019).
• 53% of children in the US have a smartphone by the age of 11 (Common Sense Media, 2019).
• Meanwhile, 84% of US teens own smartphones (Common Sense Media, 2019).
• About one in five children has a smartphone by the age of 8 (NPR, 2019).
• College graduates have the largest share of smartphone owners at 91%. They are followed by those who received some college education (85%), high school graduates (72%), and those who didn’t finish high school (66%) (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• Children in the UK spend 3 hours and 20 minutes daily on their phones (The Guardian, 2020).
• On the other hand, 74% of parents have their smartphones within reach as they sleep. 12% even stated that they had their phones in bed (EdSource, 2019).

Teenage Smartphone Addiction

Socialization is essential for teens to forge friendships and develop deeper relationships. As such, smartphones keep them connected with friends even if they’re in separate classrooms. The problem is that addictions are formed from this exercise. Time spent on mobile devices affects their studies, sleep, emotions, and mental states. Clearly, a cutback on smartphone usage is necessary for many teens.

• 95% of US teens have access to a smartphone and 45% are almost always online (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• 57% of teens often use smartphones to pass time while 37% often use them to connect with other people. Meanwhile, 30% tinker with their phones to pick up new information (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• 29% of teens keep their mobile devices in bed while they sleep (EdSource, 2019).
• 72% of teens check phone messages and notifications the moment they wake up (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• 54% of teens admit to spending too much time on their smartphones (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• 56% of teens feel lonely, anxious, or upset when they don’t have their phones with them (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• 53% have tried cutting back on the time spent on their phones (Pew Research Center, 2019).
• Teens who spend 5 hours daily on their mobile devices are 51% more likely to have inadequate sleep (BankMyCell, 2020).
• Teens who spend too much time on social media face a 27% increased risk of depression (BankMyCell, 2020).
• 47% of parents believe their kids are addicted to their mobile devices (BankMyCell, 2020).

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Smartphone Use

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the global population to stay indoors. This led to an expected increase in smartphone usage along with the sites and apps accessed through the device. Given their need to socialize, Gen Z posted the largest growth in smartphone usage. Meanwhile, the use of social media, video conferencing, and ecommerce sites all experienced significant increases. In a nutshell, the COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated smartphone addiction.

• At the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, Gen Zers registered the largest increase in smartphone usage at 82%. They are followed by Millennials (72%), Gen X (66%), and Baby Boomers (43%) (GlobalWebIndex, 2020).
• Global smartphone usage increased by 70% at the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns. In the US, it increased by 40% (GlobalWebIndex, 2020).
• China and the Philippines registered the largest increase in smartphone usage at the start of the pandemic lockdown at 86% (GlobalWebIndex, 2020).
• The average mobile call time increased from 3 minutes and 40 seconds to 5 minutes and 26 seconds during the lockdown (Forbes, 2020).
• The average Android user spends 27% of waking hours on  mobile phones daily during the COVID-19 pandemic (App Annie, 2020).
• The downloads of apps and games increased from 9.1 billion in February 2020 to 12 billion in April 2020 (App Annie, 2020).
• 39% of people rely more on their smartphones due to social distancing (Twigby, 2020).
• Due to the pandemic, texting is up by 37%, video calling by 32%, browsing social media by 36%, and using shopping apps by 23% (Twigby, 2020).
• Facebook reported a 70% increase in the number of people using Facebook Messenger for group calls due to COVID-19 (Cnet, 2020).
• Contactless payments, which include those made via mobile, increased by 150% due to the outbreak (Forbes, 2020).

How Has Smartphone Addiction Changed Over the Years?

Smartphone addiction has evolved significantly since the introduction of smartphones in the late 2000s. Here’s how the landscape has changed over the years:

• Increase in Smartphone Ownership: When the first iPhone was launched in 2007, smartphone ownership was relatively low. Fast-forward to today, over 80% of adults in developed countries own smartphones. This surge in ownership has led to a corresponding increase in usage, making addiction more prevalent.
• Shift from Communication to Entertainment: Smartphones primarily served as communication devices. However, with the rise of social media, streaming services, and gaming apps, users now spend more time on entertainment rather than communication. This shift has contributed to longer screen times and deeper engagement with devices.
• Social Media Impact: The rise of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has intensified smartphone addiction. These apps are designed to keep users engaged through notifications and endless scrolling, making it easy to lose track of time. Studies show that social media usage is closely linked to feelings of anxiety and depression, exacerbating addiction.
• Integration of Work and Personal Life: Smartphones have blurred the lines between work and personal life. With constant access to emails and work-related apps, many users feel pressured to stay connected outside work hours. This integration can lead to burnout and a dependence on their devices.
• Awareness and Response: In recent years, there has been growing awareness of smartphone addiction. More articles, documentaries, and campaigns educate the public about its effects. This increased awareness has prompted discussions about finding balance and implementing strategies to reduce screen time.
• Emergence of Mental Health Apps: As awareness has grown, so has the development of apps to reduce smartphone addiction. These include apps that track usage, set limits, and promote mindfulness. They offer users tools to manage their habits and foster healthier relationships with technology.

How Bad is Smartphone Addiction?

Smartphones are undeniably addictive with their myriad features and all the sites and apps users have access to. Unfortunately, the indiscriminate heavy use of these devices bears its share of consequences. Addictions are formed and likewise are negative emotional and mental states. Worse of all, nomophobia, the fear of being away from one’s mobile phone, presents dangerous risks for users. These not only include mental health concerns but also distracted driving and other harmful scenarios.

• A smartphone addiction survey revealed that 99.2% of users show some level of fear and anxiety if they accidentally leave their phones. This is a sign of nomophobia (Metro, 2021).
• Of the 99.2%, 37% have mild symptoms of nomophobia, 50% have moderate symptoms, and 13% are severe cases (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2021).
• 39% of UK children say that they couldn’t live without their phones (The Guardian, 2020).
• 89% of college students have moderate or severe nomophobia (ScienceDaily, 2020).
• 75.4 of users admit that they are addicted to their smartphones (Reviews.org, 2020).
• 66% of US adults have nomophobia (Yahoo Finance, 2019).
• Users with nomophobia are 11.7 times more likely to develop smartphone dependency (Metro, 2021).
• Nomophobic users are 10.3 times more likely to use their phones in prohibited spaces. They are also 14 times more likely to be at risk of danger due to smartphone use. These scenarios include driving and crossing the road (Metro, 2021).

The Dangers of Heavy Smartphone Use

• 17.3% of parents admit that they spend more time on their phones than with their children (Reviews.org, 2020).
• What’s worse, 55.4% of users use or look at their smartphones while driving (Reviews.org, 2020).
• With this, 21% of teen drivers that figured in an accident were distracted by their smartphones (Carsurance, 2021).
• Teens who spend 5 hours daily on their mobile devices are 71% more likely to develop risk factors for suicide compared to those who only use their devices for an hour (BankMyCell, 2020).
• In 2019, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people in the US. Smartphones are among the leading causes of distracted driving (NHTSA, 2021).
• 36.5% of students have been cyberbullied (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2019).
• Hidden apps used by hackers accounted for almost 50% of all malicious mobile activities online (McAfee, 2019).
• Smartphones are 7 times dirtier than the toilet (MedicalXpress, 2020).

Beating Smartphone Addiction

Smartphone use is not going anywhere, especially in our increasingly digital world. However, as these statistics have shown, while smartphones can be our best friends, they can also be our worst enemies. Smartphones can help employees be more productive but they may also serve as a tool to waste time; they may improve engagement in classrooms but they may also become distractions during lectures. These devices can also have detrimental effects on our mental health. The good news is, there are ways for one to curb smartphone addiction.

However, overcoming smartphone addiction in the time of COVID-19 is no easy feat considering that many people are stuck at home while on lockdown. This calls for planning and finding alternatives to replace some of the time usually spent on mobile devices. The goal is to replace an overarching habit with other, healthier habits. And a good place to start is by downloading a digital detox app.

A 2020 study in Germany revealed that 41.7% of young adults use digital detox apps. With these, you can monitor your smartphone usage, digital habits, and your productivity while not using your phone. Set daily agendas with ideal times per activity. This allows you to maximize your productivity per day. Include healthy activities like walking or any form of exercise and allot at least an hour for them. These are essential since they induce the buildup of dopamine. Dopamine allows your brain to recognize those activities as pleasurable, which is critical in weaning off smartphone use.

To further motivate you to beat your addiction, set rewards for completed activities. They can come in the form of some leisurely time on your phone. This way, your addiction becomes your motivation to be productive daily. In addition, turn off the notifications of your non-work-related apps. This lets you stay focused on your daily agenda.

Key Insights

• Global Prevalence: There are 5.22 billion smartphone users worldwide, making up 66.6% of the global population. The number of smartphone users continues to grow, with a 1.8% increase from 2020 to 2021.
• Daily Usage: On average, a person spends 4 hours and 10 minutes on mobile devices daily, with Americans checking their phones 160 times a day. This high level of engagement has significant implications for both productivity and mental health.
• Age Variations: Millennials lead in smartphone usage and ownership, followed by Gen X, Gen Z, and Baby Boomers. Younger generations, especially teens, show high levels of dependency and usage, impacting their sleep and emotional well-being.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has significantly increased smartphone usage, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. This surge includes more time spent on social media, video calls, and ecommerce activities.
• Addiction Indicators: Signs of smartphone addiction include checking phones within an hour of waking up or before sleeping, feeling anxious without a phone, and prioritizing phone use over personal interactions and even safety.
• Consequences of Overuse: Heavy smartphone use is linked to distracted driving, cyberbullying, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and poor physical health due to sedentary habits.
• Mitigation Strategies: Digital detox apps, setting daily agendas, turning off non-essential notifications, and replacing screen time with healthier activities are effective strategies to reduce smartphone addiction.

FAQ

1. What is smartphone addiction? Smartphone addiction is characterized by an excessive and compulsive use of mobile devices, leading to negative impacts on daily life, including productivity, mental health, and personal relationships.
2. How prevalent is smartphone usage globally? As of 2021, there are 5.22 billion smartphone users globally, accounting for 66.6% of the world’s population. The number of smartphone users is steadily increasing each year.
3. How does smartphone usage affect productivity? While smartphones can aid in productivity, they can also be significant distractions. On average, employees lose almost five productive hours per week to non-work-related phone activities.
4. What age group uses smartphones the most? Millennials (ages 18-34) are the highest users of smartphones, followed by Gen X (ages 35-50), Gen Z (under 18), and Baby Boomers (ages 51-69).
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted smartphone usage? The pandemic has led to a significant increase in smartphone usage, particularly among younger generations. This includes more time spent on social media, video calls, and online shopping due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.
6. What are some signs of smartphone addiction? Signs of smartphone addiction include checking phones frequently, feeling anxious without a phone, using phones during inappropriate times (like driving), and prioritizing phone use over personal interactions.
7. What are the negative effects of heavy smartphone use? Heavy smartphone use can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, physical health problems due to sedentary behavior, increased risk of accidents from distracted driving, and social issues like reduced face-to-face interactions.
8. How can I reduce my smartphone addiction? To reduce smartphone addiction, consider using digital detox apps to monitor usage, setting daily agendas with specific time limits for phone use, turning off notifications for non-essential apps, and replacing screen time with healthier activities like exercise.
9. Why are teens particularly vulnerable to smartphone addiction? Teens are particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage, high need for social interaction, and the pervasive use of social media. Excessive phone use can negatively impact their sleep, academic performance, and emotional well-being.
10. What is nomophobia? Nomophobia is the fear of being without a mobile phone. It can lead to anxiety and stress, significantly impacting an individual’s mental health and daily functioning.

References

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By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.