Content Consumption: We’re Spending 1/4 Of Our Lives Doing It
Ever feel like all you do is scroll, stream, and watch? You’re not alone. A new poll says the average American now spends six hours a day consuming content, according…
Use of mobile phone in trendy neon lights. Creative vivid color of ultraviolet red and blue. Hands of Teen Girl scrolling up photos Close-up at dark neon room. App for sale in shop. Social media. 4K
Ever feel like all you do is scroll, stream, and watch? You’re not alone. A new poll says the average American now spends six hours a day consuming content, according to a new study by Talker Research. That’s nearly a quarter of our lives, or if we’re talking waking hours, more than a third. And that’s everything from streaming movies and TikToks to reading books or listening to the radio.
We definitely approve the radio consumption.
But, let's face it, it’s almost like having a part-time job in content consumption.
Here are some surprising stats:
- Age Matters: Gen Z leads the way, clocking in at six hours and 36 minutes a day. Meanwhile, even people in their 80s are putting in four hours and 48 minutes. Content isn’t just for the young; everyone’s getting in on it.
- The Cost of Content: On average, people spend $67 a month on streaming and media services. Netflix, Prime, and Hulu are at the top, with cable now sitting in fourth place.
- Bedtime Browsing: Content consumption doesn’t stop when we go to bed. Among Gen Z, a whopping 79% say they “often” or “always” scroll through their phones in bed. Only 2% say they never do. The habit decreases slightly with age, but Gen X isn’t far behind.
- Guilt Trips: About three times a month, the average American feels guilty for “wasting” time on content. That “one more episode” feeling? It’s real.
- New vs. Old: Rewatching old favorites is almost as popular as exploring new shows and movies, even for Gen Z. Half prefer watching something new, 37% love rewatching their favorite stuff, and 13% say they’re up for either.
Whether it’s streaming marathons, doom-scrolling, or binging audiobooks, content has a huge place in our lives. The question is, are we consuming it, or is it consuming us?
