Americans lose 36 days a year to content consumption

The average American feels like they lose three days per month to content consumption, according to recent research.

The study of 2,000 nationally representative Americans revealed that 36 days of our year are lost to scrolling, streaming, and bingeing.

And it’s worse for younger people — Gen Z Americans feel like they lose closer to five days per month.

The comprehensive study on media consumption trends by Talker Research also showed that excessive content consumption can result in feelings of guilt, with the average respondent having three pangs of guilt per month, as well.

On average, Americans consume about six hours of content per day, with Gen Z Americans consuming closer to seven.

With World Mental Health Day on October 10, the data split respondents by self-reported mental health and found that poor mental health and media consumption are directly linked.

Those with “very poor” mental health lose nearly six days per month to content consumption, while 19% of people who self-report their mental health as “very poor” feel they lose 15 or more days per month.

In comparison, those with excellent and good mental health lose the least amount of days (2.7).

This correlated to feelings of guilt, as well. Those with“very poor” mental health feel guilty the most often, with seven times per month.

Nearly half of those polled (42%) admit they feel like they consume “too much” media and 36% say their mood is “often” negatively affected by something they see on social media.

Gen Z Americans were far away the most likely to feel like they consumed too much media, with 66% agreeing with that sentiment.

Interestingly, those with “very poor” mental health were also found to be the most likely to use TikTok regularly (38%), and the most likely to report being “very likely” to be on their phone while watching something (46%).

Dr. Sham Singh, an MD, Ph.D. Psychology and a Harbor UCLA-trained psychiatrist at Winit Clinic, offered insight into managing screen time to alleviate feelings of guilt.

• Implement a "Tech-Free" Zone. “Creating designated areas where technology is off-limits in your home can significantly impact your daily habits,” Singh offers. “For instance, by making your bedroom a tech-free zone, you promote better sleep hygiene and relaxation, free from the distractions of notifications and screens. Similarly, establishing a tech-free dining room encourages meaningful conversations and family bonding during meals. These intentional spaces reduce screen time, foster healthier interactions, or enjoy quiet moments.”

• Set Phone-Free Intentions: “Before you reach for your phone, I advise you to take a moment to set a clear intention for its use,” says Singh. “Ask yourself what you need to accomplish—whether it's checking messages, researching a topic, or responding to an email. This practice encourages a more mindful approach to technology, helping you avoid the trap of mindless scrolling. Having a defined purpose lets you stay focused on your task and minimize the likelihood of getting sidetracked by social media or other distractions.”

• Reflect on Content Consumption: “Keeping a journal of your experiences with various types of content can be an enlightening practice,” suggests Singh. “After consuming media—be it social media, news articles, or videos—take a moment to jot down your feelings and thoughts. Did you feel inspired, informed, or drained? This reflection helps you discern which content enriches your life and which might feel like a time-waster. Over time, you'll develop a clearer picture of your media consumption patterns, enabling you to make more informed choices about what to engage with in the future.”

Check out the full trend report here.

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 representative Americans was conducted by market research Talker Research between July 24 and August 1, 2024, whose team members are members of the Market ResearchSociety (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and marketing Research (ESOMAR)