According to a recent study, the average American feels like they spend three days a month consuming content.
A survey of 2,000 representative Americans found that 36 days a year are spent scrolling, streaming, and binge eating.
And it’s even worse for young people, with Gen Z Americans feeling like they’re losing nearly five days a month.
A comprehensive survey of media consumption trends by Talker Research also revealed that excessive content consumption can lead to feelings of guilt, with the average respondent feeling guilty three times a month. .
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On average, Americans consume about 6 hours of content per day, and Gen Z Americans consume nearly 7 hours of content.
In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the data broke down respondents by self-reported mental health and found a direct link between poor mental health and media consumption.
People with ‘very poor’ mental health lose nearly 6 days per month from consuming content, while 19% of people who self-report as having ‘very poor’ mental health lose more than 15 days per month due to content consumption. I feel like I’m losing it.
By comparison, people with good and good mental health lost the least number of days (2.7).
This also correlated with feelings of guilt. People with “very poor” mental health felt guilty most often, seven times a month.
Almost half (42%) of those surveyed admitted that they feel they consume “too much” media, and 36% say their mood is “often” negatively affected by what they see on social media. ” states.
Gen Z Americans are the most likely to say they consume too much media, with 66% agreeing with that statement.
Interestingly, people with “very poor” mental health are also the most likely to use TikTok regularly (38%) and are “very likely” to use their phone while watching something. They were also found to be most likely (46%) to report “high”. .
Dr. Shyam Singh, MD, Winit Clinic psychology and Harbor-UCLA-trained psychiatrist, offered insights on managing screen time to reduce guilt.
Introducing a “technology-free” zone. “Creating designated areas in your home where technology is off-limits can have a significant impact on your daily life,” says Singh. “For example, making your bedroom a tech-free zone will promote better sleep hygiene and relaxation without being interrupted by notifications and screens. Similarly, establishing a technology-free dining room will encourage meaningful conversations during meals. and family bonding. These intentional spaces reduce screen time, encourage healthier interactions, and enjoy quiet time.” Set a no-phone intention: ” “Before you reach for it, it’s a good idea to take a moment and set a clear intention for its use,” says Singh. . “Ask yourself what you need to accomplish, whether it’s checking a message, researching a topic, or replying to an email. Practicing this will encourage a more mindful approach to technology and help you avoid unconscious Avoid the scrolling trap. Having a clear purpose helps you stay focused on your work and minimizes the chance of getting sidetracked by social media or other distractions. ” suggests Shin. “After consuming media such as social media, news articles, or videos, take a moment to write down your feelings and thoughts. Did you feel inspired, informed, or exhausted? ?This insight will help you discern which content enriches your life and which content feels like a waste of time, giving you a clearer picture of your media consumption patterns. They will be able to make more informed choices about what they engage in in the future.”
Read the full trend report here.
Research method:
This random, double-opt-in survey was conducted by market research firm Talker Research from July 24 to August 1, 2024 among a representative sample of 2,000 Americans. Its team members are members of the Market ResearchSociety (MRS) and the European Society for Public Opinion and Marketing Research (Esomal)