Has Screen Time Made an Impact After Six Years? [Poll]

Since its debut in iOS 12 six years ago, Apple’s Screen Time feature has provided insights into our smartphone usage and allowed parents to set limits for their children’s screen time. This capability was made available for Macs a year later.

In addition to Screen Time, Apple has rolled out various features designed to reduce the addictive nature of our devices, yet recent research indicates that our screen time may be at an all-time high …

Understanding Screen Time

Screen Time was launched in 2018 along with several other features aimed at helping users limit their screen exposure.

“Our goal is to provide detailed insights and resources that help users comprehend and manage their time spent on apps and websites, monitor how frequently they access their iPhone or iPad, and track their notification settings,” explained Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Through Screen Time, we empower those who seek to manage device usage and balance their priorities.”

The same update saw enhancements to the Do Not Disturb feature and various mechanisms to minimize notification overload.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has often emphasized the importance of being mindful of technology use, acknowledging its potential negative effects on personal interactions.

“I’ve always believed that technology should enhance human life, not take precedence over it. I was concerned about excessive technology use, which is why we introduced Screen Time—to provide users with a true metric of their device usage, which often exceeds their own estimates,” he stated. “Equally important is the nature of that usage. I worry about the endless scrolling and exposure to negativity. We aim for technology to truly serve humanity, allowing meaningful interactions, like enjoying photography or connecting with loved ones through FaceTime, instead of mindless browsing.”

He mentioned that the feature has personally aided him in reducing his device usage.

Increase in Screen Time According to UK Study

However, six years later, a comprehensive study from the UK suggests that screen time has increased rather than decreased. TechCrunch outlines the findings:

According to Ofcom’s annual Online Nation report on digital habits, UK adults are spending an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes online each day across smartphones, tablets, and computers. This marks a significant rise from 2023, when adults over 18 averaged only 3 hours and 41 minutes online.

There was a particularly notable rise among younger adults aged 18-24.

Young adults aged 18-24, enamored with platforms like TikTok and Instagram, are now averaging six hours and one minute online, an increase of 1.5 hours from the 4 hours and 36 minutes recorded in 2023.

In contrast, the lowest device usage statistics were found among individuals aged 65 and above, who averaged 3 hours and 10 minutes daily.

Has Screen Time Benefited You and Your Family?

Do you utilize Screen Time to keep track of your own usage or set limits for your children’s? Has it proven effective for you?

We invite you to participate in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments.

Image by Julian Christ on Unsplash