Americans Check Their Phones 144 Times a Day – Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned

A recent study reveals that Americans’ smartphone usage has surged by 42.3% compared to the past year.

According to a report by PhoneArena, Americans checked their phones an average of 144 times daily in 2024, a 42.3% increase from the previous year. Analysts speculate this significant uptick may be partly due to the U.S. presidential election.

The study uncovered diverse smartphone usage patterns among Americans. 80.6% reach for their phones within 10 minutes of waking up, while 65.7% use them in the bathroom. 53.7% use their phones to text people in the same room, 38.1% on a date, and 27% while driving.

Age appears to be a significant factor in smartphone usage. Gen Z used smartphones the most, an average of 6 hours and 18 minutes daily; millennials, 6 hours and 2 minutes daily; Generation X, 4 hours and 54 minutes; and Boomers, 3 hours and 18 minutes.

Millennials are the most frequent phone checkers, glancing at their phones 324 times daily. They also report the highest levels of anxiety after losing their phones. Interestingly, Gen Z shows the most self-awareness regarding smartphone addiction. 56% of Generation Z admitted smartphone addiction, and 55% of millennials admitted the same. The media suggests changing mobile phone displays’ bright and vivid colors to grayscale to prevent smartphone addiction.