"mobile phones were far from universal and our social lives were mostly physical and local. In the 25 years since, technology has changed how we live in profound ways. Most people check their phone within minutes of waking and return to it on average 186 times a day. Computers and the systems that sit behind them mediate every aspect of modern life, shaping how we move through the world."
"The time we spend with screens now dwarfs that spent interacting with others. In 2024, the average Australian spent two hours and 13 minutes a day on screen-based activities nearly half their free time but just 38 minutes socialising in person. Young Americans now spend 70% less time attending or hosting parties than they did 20 years ago, and have among the highest screen time of any age cohort. Meanwhile, consistent surveys show a trend towards people, particularly men, having fewer close friends."
Daily life has shifted from local, physical socialising to digitally mediated interactions over the past 25 years. Phone checking has become habitual—people often return to their devices about 186 times per day. Screen time now dominates leisure: the average Australian in 2024 spent two hours and 13 minutes on screen-based activities and only 38 minutes socialising in person. Young Americans attend or host far fewer parties than two decades ago and report very high screen time. Surveys show declining numbers of close friendships, especially among men. The arrival of AI and chatbots further displaces interpersonal support, and technological convenience often replaces unpredictable human contact.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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