A recent study reveals the vast amount of time Britons spend on screens, highlighting a significant aspect of modern working life.
- The research indicates that over a typical career span, Britons dedicate 25 years solely to online work, exacerbating concerns about screen time.
- About 76% of an adult’s waking hours are now consumed by digital interactions, as indicated by recent findings.
- There is a growing awareness of the health implications of prolonged screen exposure, including eyestrain and sleep issues.
- Expert advice offers strategies to manage screen time effectively, aiming to improve work-life balance and health.
In a detailed study, it was found that Britons spend an estimated 223,015 hours online during their working careers, which translates to approximately 25 years. This figure underscores the central role of digital skills in today’s job market, a fact underscored by Microsoft’s report that 82% of all UK jobs now require such skills.
The intrusion of screen time extends beyond working hours. On average, individuals are awake for around 16 to 18 hours a day, with 13 hours and 2 minutes spent online daily. This equates to an astonishing 76% of their waking life engaged with digital interfaces, translating over a lifetime to 312,805 hours, or 36 years viewing screens.
The public is becoming increasingly aware of the health risks associated with extensive screen time, notably the impact of blue light, which can lead to headaches, eye strain, and poor sleep patterns. Notably, online searches for ‘blue light glasses for work’ have surged by 70% over the past year.
To tackle this, Susan Leigh, a counsellor and member of the Stress Management Society, provides practical advice: set strict cut-off times for device use, optimise update checks, limit phone use during social interactions by placing them collectively at the table centre, and gradually reduce dependency by informing friends and family of reduced online availability.
The study underscores the pervasive nature of digital work life and highlights the need for effective strategies to manage screen time.
