After Six Years, Has Screen Time Made an Impact? [Poll]

It has been six years since Apple launched Screen Time with iOS 12, enabling users to track their phone usage and allowing parents to enforce limits for their children. This feature was expanded to Macs the following year.

While Apple has added various features to minimize device addiction, a recent study indicates that our screen time may be climbing to new heights…

Screen Time

Screen Time debuted in 2018, coinciding with other initiatives aimed at reducing our screen exposure.

“We’re offering our users detailed information and tools to help them better understand and control the time they spend with apps and websites, how often they pick up their iPhone or iPad during the day, and how they receive notifications,” explained Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. “With Screen Time, these new tools empower users who seek assistance in managing their device time while balancing the priorities that matter to them.”

This same update brought significant improvements to Do Not Disturb and various methods to limit the frequency of notifications we receive.

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has consistently addressed the issue, stating that the company recognizes the potential adverse effects of excessive technology use over human interaction.

“I’ve always believed that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. I’ve always been concerned about people overusing technology. For this reason, we developed Screen Time to give users a true assessment of their device usage, which is usually more than they estimate,” he said.

He added, “But it’s not just about the amount of time; it’s also about what you’re doing. I worry about endless scrolling and surrounding yourself with negativity. Our goal is to ensure technology serves humanity. This philosophy is central to our company. We encourage users to engage in meaningful activities with their devices, such as pursuing photography exhibits or staying connected with family and friends through FaceTime, rather than indulging in aimless scrolling.”

He noted that this feature has aided him in curbing his own device usage.

UK Study Shows Screen Time is Rising

However, six years later, a substantial study in the UK reveals that screen time is actually increasing. TechCrunch reports:

Adults in the U.K. are spending an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes online each day using smartphones, tablets, and computers, according to Ofcom’s annual Online Nation report exploring consumer digital habits. This is a significant rise compared to 2023, when adults over 18 averaged 3 hours and 41 minutes online.

The increase was most pronounced among those aged 18-24.

Individuals aged 18-24, who are captivated by TikTok and Instagram, are now spending an average of six hours and one minute online daily, an increase of 1.5 hours since 2023 when they averaged 4 hours and 36 minutes.

Conversely, the least amount of screen time was recorded among those aged 65 and older, who averaged 3 hours and 10 minutes daily.

Has Screen Time Benefited You and Your Family?

Do you utilize Screen Time to monitor your self-use or to limit your children’s usage? Has it been beneficial?

Please participate in our poll and share your opinions in the comments.

Photo by Julian Christ on Unsplash