The 2024 US cellphone usage trends paint a picture of Americans’ increasing reliance on their devices. According to the Pew Research Center, 98% of Americans own a cellphone, and they check their phones an average of 205 times a day. This translates to nearly once every five minutes while awake.
Despite this surge in frequency, fewer people are self-reporting addiction, suggesting a potential shift in how we view our relationship with technology. Key insights include:
– 80.6% of Americans check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up
– 78% can’t leave the house without a phone
– Anxiety over phone use is common, with nearly 40% panicking when battery dips below 20%
However, there’s a growing awareness of balancing screen time with real-world engagement. Phone use during meals and work has decreased, while phone use during movies has surged.
A notable trend is the generational divide in cellphone use. Gen Z and Millennials are the heaviest users, while Boomers and the Silent Generation are far less engaged.
The rise of mobile shopping has also become central to how Americans shop, with 76% of Americans making at least one purchase using their mobile phone. This figure is expected to double to US$710 billion by 2025.
In response to growing concerns about cellphone use in schools, Beaufort County Schools has issued a ban on most cellphone use during school hours, except for high school students who can use their phones during lunch periods.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/12/30/on-your-phone-right-now-a-2024-report-shows-that-americans-check-their-phones-205-times-a-day