Generation Z Americans, aged 15 to 27, spent an average of seven hours and seven minutes a day on their smartphones in 2023. This screen time, which increased by 6.5% compared to 2022, was mainly spent on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and messaging.

The DCDX "2023 3rd Annual Gen Z Screen Time Report"* investigated the relationship between young Americans and technology, and in particular their cellphones, for the third consecutive year.

The analysis reports that screen time for Gen Zers is an average of seven hours and seven minutes per day (+6.5% in one year), and 49 hours and seven minutes per week. According to the report, the Gen Z average exceeds that of the global mobile screen time average by 104%, and the US average by 92%.

Yet, while mobile screen time has increased again in 2023, young people seem to be less bothered by notifications. According to the data, respondents picked up their phones less (-7%) and received fewer notifications (-0.8%).

The study explains that while users are less tempted to look at their phone every time they receive a notification, once unlocked, they stay on their mobile longer.

Differences between men and women

There is also a difference within Generation Z itself, with younger users spending more time on their phones than older users in this age bracket.