Cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to stay connected with our friends and family, to stay informed about the world around us, and to entertain ourselves.
Published On
October 1, 2023
Reviewed By Dr. Gall, Medical Director of Mainspring Recovery
Cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to stay connected with our friends and family, to stay informed about the world around us, and to entertain ourselves. However, with the rise of smartphones and social media, cell phone addiction has become a serious problem. Here are 48 statistics that shed light on this issue:
Top 10 Key Addiction to Cell Phone Statistics
The average American checks their phone every 12 minutes, or approximately 80 times a day.
64% of Americans own a smartphone, and the percentage is even higher among younger generations.
46% of smartphone users say they can't live without their device.
Studies have shown that checking our phones triggers the same neural pathways as gambling and drugs, leading to addictive behavior.
The average person spends over 3 hours on their phone each day, with heavy users spending up to 4.5 hours per day.
Social media apps are some of the most addictive, with users spending an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes per day on these platforms.
Cell phone addiction has been linked to sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
A survey found that nearly half of all teenagers feel addicted to their phones, while another study found that excessive cell phone use can lead to poor academic performance.
In a study of college students, those who reported higher levels of cell phone addiction also reported higher levels of stress and lower levels of well-being.
Overuse of cell phones has been shown to have negative effects on personal relationships, with many people reporting feeling ignored or neglected by loved ones who are too busy on their devices.
Addiction and Usage Statistics
Source: https://www.slicktext.com/
The average person checks their phone 47 times a day. (Source: Deloitte)
50% of people feel uneasy when they leave their phone at home. (Source: Pew Research Center)
60% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 admit to being addicted to their phone. (Source: Statista)
50% of teenagers feel addicted to their phone. (Source: Common Sense Media)
59% of parents feel their teenage children are addicted to their phone. (Source: Common Sense Media)
33% of adults feel their phone is their favorite way to pass the time. (Source: Pew Research Center)
69% of people use their phone while watching TV. (Source: Deloitte)
46% of people use their phone while eating with others. (Source: Deloitte)
40% of people use their phone while driving. (Source: AT&T)
27% of car accidents involve cell phone use. (Source: National Safety Council)
Addiction to Cell Phone Statistics by Age
Ages 30-49
79% of people between the ages of 30 and 49 own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
43% of parents with children under the age of 18 say they use their phone too much. (Source: Common Sense Media)
36% of adults in this age group say they check their phones constantly. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Ages 50-64
53% of people between the ages of 50 and 64 own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Only 27% of adults in this age group feel addicted to their phone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
However, those who do become addicted report spending an average of over four hours per day on their device.
Ages 65+
Only 27% of people over the age of 65 own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
However, among those who do, many report feeling addicted and checking their phones frequently.
One study found that older adults who use smartphones excessively report higher levels of loneliness and depression than those who use them less frequently.
Addiction to Cell Phone Statistics by Gender
Men tend to spend more time on their phones than women, with the average man spending 4.1 hours per day compared to the average woman who spends 3.1 hours per day. (Source: eMarketer)
Women are more likely than men to feel anxious or stressed when they can't check their phone. (Source: Psychology Today)
Men are more likely than women to use their phone while driving, with 52% of male drivers admitting to using their phone behind the wheel compared to only 42% of female drivers. (Source: AT&T)
Women are more likely than men to use their phone for social media and communication purposes, while men are more likely to use their phone for gaming and entertainment. (Source: Pew Research Center)
A survey found that among teenagers, girls were twice as likely as boys to feel addicted to their phones. (Source: Common Sense Media)
American's Cell Phone Usage and Habits
Source: https://www.reviews.org/
85% of adults in the United States own a cell phone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
The average age when children receive their first smartphone is 10 years old. (Source: Influence Central)
Texting is the most popular activity on cell phones, with 97% of Americans using texting at least once per day. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Americans spend an average of $114 per month on their cell phone bill. (Source: The Ascent)
In a survey, 37% of respondents said they have texted or used social media while in the bathroom. (Source: BankMyCell)
Social Media Addiction Statistics
88% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 use social media. (Source: Pew Research Center)
90% of Instagram users are under the age of 35. (Source: Hootsuite)
The average person spends 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media. (Source: GlobalWebIndex)
45% of people say social media makes them feel overwhelmed. (Source: American Psychological Association)
70% of people say they would feel lost without social media. (Source: Pew Research Center)
71% of people feel social media is important for finding news and information. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Daily Interruptions from Cell Phone Usage
Source: https://www.slicktext.com/
The average person spends 90 minutes per day on their phone while at work, leading to decreased productivity and focus. (Source: RescueTime)
On average, it takes 23 minutes for someone to get back on task after being interrupted by a notification on their phone. (Source: University of California, Irvine)
In one survey, 89% of people reported using their phone during a meal with friends or family, causing interruptions in conversation and social bonding. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Checking our phones before bed can lead to poor sleep quality and interruptions throughout the night, with one study showing that over half of adults check their phone within 15 minutes of going to bed. (Source: National Sleep Foundation)
The constant buzzing and notifications from our phones can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety throughout the day, with one study showing that people who received more notifications had higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. (Source: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication)
Cell Phone Usage by Generation
Source: https://www.reviews.org/
Generation Z (born 1997-2012)
98% of Gen Zers own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
On average, they spend over 4 hours per day on their phone. (Source: Common Sense Media)
Social media apps like TikTok and Instagram are the most popular among this age group, with over 70% of Gen Zers using these platforms daily. (Source: GlobalWebIndex)
Millennials (born 1981-1996)
96% of millennials own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
They spend an average of 3.7 hours per day on their phones. (Source: Common Sense Media)
Texting is the most common way for millennials to communicate, with over 90% sending at least one text message per day. (Source: Pew Research Center)
Generation X (born 1965-1980)
91% of Gen Xers own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center)
They spend an average of 3 hours per day on their phones. (Source: Common Sense Media)
Email is the most popular way for Gen Xers to communicate, with over half checking their email multiple times per day. (Source: HubSpot)
Cell Phone Addiction by Country
In India, 47% of smartphone users report feeling addicted to their devices. (Source: Economic Times)
South Korea has the highest rate of smartphone addiction in the world, with over 30% of its population considered addicted. (Source: The Guardian)
In China, overuse of smartphones has been linked to a rise in myopia among young people. (Source: CNN)
Brazil has one of the highest rates of social media addiction, with users spending an average of 3.8 hours per day on these platforms. (Source: GlobalWebIndex)
In Japan, excessive cell phone use has led to a phenomenon known as "smartphone zombies," where pedestrians are so engrossed in their devices that they pose a danger to themselves and others. (Source: BBC News)
France has passed laws banning the use of cell phones in schools in an effort to combat addiction among young people. (Source: The Local France)
Canada ranks among the top countries for cell phone use while driving, with 36% of drivers admitting to using their phone behind the wheel. (Source: Global News)
Health Statistics
53% of people feel their phone distracts them from paying attention to the people they are with. (Source: Pew Research Center)
75% of people have experienced "phantom vibrations" where they think their phone is vibrating but it's not. (Source: Psychology Today)
40% of people say they get less than 6 hours of sleep per night because of their phone use. (Source: Deloitte)
35% of people say they have checked their phone in the middle of the night. (Source: Deloitte)
42% of people feel anxious when they don't have their phone with them. (Source: American Psychological Association)
26% of people have experienced a panic attack when they couldn't find their phone. (Source: American Psychological Association)
75% of doctors believe that excessive phone use is bad for mental health. (Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care)
Addiction Treatment Statistics
There are over 12-step programs and support groups for cell phone addiction. (Source: Psychology Today)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for cell phone addiction. (Source: Journal of Behavioral Addictions)
72% of people who complete CBT for cell phone addiction report a reduction in symptoms. (Source: Journal of Behavioral Addictions)
80% of people who complete a digital detox report feeling less stressed. (Source: Digital Detox)
25% of people who complete a digital detox report feeling happier. (Source: Digital Detox)
Conclusion
In conclusion, these statistics show that cell phone addiction is a growing problem that affects people of all ages. While the convenience and entertainment value of cell phones are undeniable, it's important to recognize and manage our phone usage to maintain healthy relationships, mental health, and overall well-being.
