Amy Fraser22 April 2024 | 9:39

South Africans have the highest screen time globally – study

On an average day, we’re dedicating a whopping 56.8% of our precious waking hours to our digital companions.

South Africans have the highest screen time globally – study

Clarence Ford interviews Barbara Friedman about this and other trending news on the web.

Listen below (skip to 07:18).

Amidst the colourful array of challenges that South Africa juggles, there’s a fresh contender in the ring: our infatuation with our phone screens.

According to a study by the tech website Electronics Hub, South Africans have the highest screen time in the world.

On an average day, we’re dedicating a whopping 56.8% of our precious waking hours to our digital companions, tallying up to a solid 9 hours and 24 minutes.

However, for many, it's unavoidable as it's an integral part of the work grind.

But wait, there’s more: we’re not just stopping at smartphones; we’re also logging a hefty 4 hours and 5 minutes in front of the TV, devouring a sizable 24.67% of our day.

“We’re a planet addicted to our screens,” said Electronics Hub. 

"Wait until I've retired, I'm gonna ban myself from looking at my phone."
- Barbara Friedman

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.