Some 50% of the population rarely or never take a break from their smartphones/electronic devices
26 March 2025, Dublin: Startling new research has revealed the extent of our screen attachment, highlighting digital natives as the most habitual users. The headline findings show that over half of consumers (51%) rarely or never take a break from their digital devices outside of their working day. Conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva), the survey of 1,000 adults nationwide highlights a growing concern for digital well-being, with 28% admitting to rarely taking a break from their electronic devices and 23% never doing so. On a brighter note, nearly half (47%) of respondents do manage to step away from their screens at least several times a week, and more than one in five (22%) take a break from them daily.
The Aviva survey found:
- Those aged 55+ were more likely to intentionally reduce their screen time daily at 34%, with only 14% of those aged 18-24 doing so.
- The highest percentage of those who rarely detox from their screen are females at 34% (men:23%) and those in the 55+ age cohort at 32%.
- However, the highest percentage of those who admitted to never taking a break from their screen were aged 18-24 years at 35%, with more men (27%) than woman at 19%.
Digital detoxing:
The survey further probed respondents as to the primary reasons that they would consider spending less time on their digital devices. Improving sleep quality and spending more time with family and friends were the most frequent reasons cited by 40% of those surveyed, with 35% citing a desire to improve mental health and reduce stress.
Other reasons that consumers have spent or would consider spending less time on their digital devices include engaging in more physical activities (30%), to reconnect with nature and the physical world (27%), and to increase their focus and productivity (25%). However, while 11% of respondents claimed that they don’t spend much time on digital devices, a further 11% said that they don’t want to spend less time on these devices.
- 48% of those aged 25-34 cited spending more quality time with family and friends, improving their mental health and reducing stress as the primary reasons why they would consider spending less time on their digital devices.
- Some 16% of those aged 45-54 claimed that they do not want to spend less time on their digital devices.
- While 23% of those aged 55+ claimed they don’t spend much time on their digital devices, no one in the 18–24-year cohort claimed the same!
The findings of the survey are very interesting, and it is not surprising that those at the younger age cohorts are more inclined to spend considerable amounts of time ‘connected’, given that they are digital natives.
Commenting Alan Behan, Home Product Manager, Aviva said
“So much of our daily lives revolve around engaging with electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Most of us require these devices for work, and our dependence continues outside of work for activities like online bookings, shopping, and social media engagement. Many people spend hours scrolling through posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
“Similar to any other activity that consumers engage in, striking some sort of balance is what we should look to achieve. Experts say that adults should limit screen time outside of work to less than two hours per day as gazing at a screen for extended periods can cause neck and back issues. Our research indicates that people take breaks from their screens for various reasons, including improving sleep quality, spending more time with family and friends, improving mental health and reducing stress. Understanding these motivations can help us better manage our screen time and overall well-being.” concluded Alan Behan.