Smartphones have profoundly changed people’s lives and have become an indispensable part of daily life. However, as the time spent using digital devices increases year by year, all sectors have gradually become more aware of the health and social impacts of over-dependence.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) – How long do you use your smartphone each day? You should reconsider if you think it is just a little. Recent surveys reveal that Taiwan’s average daily internet usage time has surpassed six hours. On average, individuals in Taiwan spend 6.1 hours online daily, with 4 hours and 9 minutes spent browsing on mobile phones. Nearly half of their waking hours are spent in front of screens, making smartphones an indispensable part of many people’s daily lives.
According to the Digital 2025: Global Overview Report, the global average daily mobile phone usage time is 3 hours and 26 minutes. In comparison, Taiwanese users spend an average of 4 hours and 9 minutes a day on their mobile phones, which is significantly higher than the global average.
Further examining internet usage by age groups in Taiwan, based on the latest data published by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the average daily internet usage time across all age groups is 6.1 hours. Among them, individuals aged 18 to 29 spend the most time online, averaging 7.4 hours per day. Those aged 30 to 44 spend 6.5 hours, those aged 45 to 59 spend 5.3 hours, and individuals aged 60 and above spend 4.1 hours daily.
Prolonged use of smartphones and digital devices may lead to health concerns. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can suppress melatonin production, leading to decreased sleep quality. In addition, digital fatigue has been linked to increased anxiety and reduced concentration. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends taking a 3- to 5-minute break every 30 minutes of screen use and minimising blue light exposure before bedtime to promote better physical and mental health.
The increase in smartphone usage is not unique to Taiwan. South Africa ranks first globally, with an average daily mobile usage time of 5 hours and 55 minutes, followed by the Philippines at 5 hours and 35 minutes and Brazil at 5 hours and 24 minutes. In contrast, the United States reports an average of 3 hours and 32 minutes, while Japan reports an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes daily. Smartphone dependence tends to be higher in emerging markets, while developed countries generally exhibit relatively lower usage levels.
More schools in Europe and the United States are introducing policies that ban students from bringing or using mobile phones during school hours, aiming to reduce overreliance among young people. Several U.S. states have implemented campus phone bans, requiring students to turn off and store their phones during class. Violators may have their devices confiscated or may need to be retrieved by their parents. The Netherlands has extended such restrictions from secondary schools to primary schools, and Australia is promoting a nationwide phone ban in schools. Many schools have reported that the bans help students concentrate better and reduce cyberbullying incidents. However, there is still insufficient evidence to confirm that banning phones directly improves academic performance, and the long-term impact remains to be observed.
While awareness of excessive smartphone use is growing, smartphones and the internet have become deeply embedded in modern life and will continue to play an even more central role. From education and work to social interaction and entertainment, digital connectivity has become essential. As digitalisation accelerates, how individuals manage their technology use and establish a healthy relationship with it will be one of the key challenges for future daily life.