Top ways people try to trick themselves into staring at screens less

Even tech lovers know to turn away from their devices after a while. 

A new survey of 2,000 Americans found 56% of those who spend their entire day glued to a screen try to limit using their devices as much as possible at night.

On average, people unplug after five and a half hours of screen time per day.

Over half of respondents confessed they use their devices more for leisure than for work (53%), and seven in 10 get carried away with playing games. 

Tech lovers shared that taking a break from their devices has helped them sleep better (59%) and feel more relaxed (48%). Respondents also described feeling content (31%) and free (29) when they finally let go of their devices.

Others limit themselves in other ways, such as having no devices on the table during mealtime (34%) and keeping them away from their beds (31%). Those who have tech rules in their homes said they try to stay away from their phones and laptops before going to sleep (87%). 

However, nearly a quarter have difficulty staying away from their devices at night (24%), which is why the average person said two and a half hours is enough for them to satisfy their screen time fix before going to bed.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of SecondSale.com for National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9, the survey also showed that some of the activities most Americans look forward to after a day with their eyes glued to a screen are spending time with their loved ones (64%), listening to music (62%) and cooking (56%).

And some opt to spend less time with their screens to do another activity instead (37%).

Nearly half of Americans said they have limited time for other activities because of how much time they spend using technology every day (47%), and 63% want to spend more time doing non-technology activities at the end of the day.

While half of respondents already enjoy reading to help unwind from a long day, another 30% want to dedicate more time to reading.

Two in three said reading is one of their favorite pastimes.

“Reading remains a timeless hobby for people of all ages. Delving into another world and becoming engrossed in a good story relieves stress, offers an escape from our daily and sometimes mundane routines, and allows creativity and imagination to flourish,” said SecondSale.com CEO and founder Glen Nothnagel. 

And despite ebooks and audiobooks becoming more popular, 54% still prefer to read a printed copy of a book.

People who prefer printed books enjoy the feeling of holding a book (59%) and said that they’re easier to read (57%).

Thirty-seven percent also feel more attached to hard copies and most who prefer them said it helps them feel like they’re escaping to somewhere else (86%).

No matter their preference, 79% of respondents admit that reading a physical book has some parts that an e-reader or audiobook cannot replace.

“The demand that we see for physical books of all genres is a testament to the power that reading a good old-fashioned book has,” said Nothnagel. “Holding a tangible book with pages to turn allows the reader to form an emotional connection and have an irreplaceable experience.”

TOP FEELINGS OF UNPLUGGING FROM TECH

1. Relaxed (54%)
2. Content (31%)
3. Free (29%)
4. Happy (22%)
5. Present (17%)

WHY DO PEOPLE PREFER PRINTED BOOKS?

1. The feeling of holding a book (59%)
2. Easier to read (57%)
3. Less distracting (38%)
4. Feeling more attached to the book (37%)
5. Looks better (33%)