Maicey Navarro Griffiths
Published June 2, 2026 4:52pm
Updated June 2, 2026 5:02pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Gen Z spend around 47 days a year on social media (Picture: Shutterstock / Face Stock)
Sending a Snap at your desk, a TikTok scroll on the commute, or browsing Instagram before you fall asleep.
Whether we like it or not, social media punctuates our every day lives — and those minutes can quickly add up.
New research has revealed that over the course of one year, UK adults spend almost 36 days scrolling, posting, messaging and sharing online.
It suddenly makes sense why we’re always rushing everywhere. Less time on our devices could literally free up more than an entire month.
Plus, that figure is based on an average time spent per day on social media at 2 hours and 21 minutes — but be honest, isn’t yours much higher?
And for Gen Z (that’s young adults aged 18 to 24) the figures are even more striking.
Younger adults are particularly affected, losing 47 days per year to scrolling (Picture: Getty Images)
The younger generation spends an average of three hours and four minutes a day on social platforms, the equivalent of around 47 days every year.
The study by The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, surveyed 2,000 UK adults about how they spent time online.
The research also found that almost a quarter of people (24%) feel they simply don’t have enough time in the day to do the things that make them feel fulfilled. Go figure.
The impact on our wellbeing
While social media can help people stay informed, entertained and connected, experts say many are in a growing ‘lost time trap’ — a cycle of low-value digital activity that leaves little room for the things they genuinely enjoy.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, director of loneliness studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University, says:
‘Many people feel chronically short of time, but often it’s not that we don’t have time, it’s that our time is fragmented by small, low-value activities that don’t leave us feeling fulfilled.
‘When people reclaim even a small amount of that time for meaningful connection, whether that’s meeting neighbours, volunteering, helping at a local event or simply spending more time with others, it can have a surprisingly positive impact on wellbeing, belonging and social connection.’
Research by Royal Voluntary Service found that more than half of 18 to 24-year-olds would consider swapping an hour of social media for volunteering (Picture: The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out)
How can we develop healthier online habits?
Researchers estimate that if everyone in the UK reclaimed just 20 minutes of their daily scrolling time, we’d have over 18.7 million extra hours, that could be spent on more meaningful activities.
Whether that’s exercising, seeing friends, pursuing hobbies or helping others, experts believe even small changes could have a significant impact on personal wellbeing.
The findings suggest there is a growing appetite for exactly that kind of connection. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (62%) said they would like to get involved in volunteering within their local community if it were easy to do so.
The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are encouraging people to make simple swaps that take less than 20 minutes (Picture: Steve Tanner)
Among younger generations, often labelled the most digitally connected, there are also signs of a shift in attitude. Research by Royal Voluntary Service found that more than half of 18-to 24-year-olds would consider swapping an hour of social media use for an hour of volunteering.
Trending Now
-
Inside the 'queerest town in America'
Channel: Travel Travel 5 days ago By Calum McSwiggan - It's 2026, and your dad's mate can still have sex with you the minute you turn 16
- He told me I had to be hairless – I told him I wasn’t a child
- Huge new 'floating city' will have homes, schools, and a 15,000-seat stadium
To encourage more people to reconnect offline, The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are joining forces from 5–8 June for a nationwide celebration of community spirit.
From neighbourhood barbecues and street parties to volunteering for charities and local clean-up events, the campaign hopes to inspire people to use some of their reclaimed time to connect with those around them.
Deals of the Day
I tried the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs – it pleasantly surprised me
I tried Huawei’s new Watch Fit 5 Pro – and it rivals pricier smartwatches
Upgrade your lip routine with 15% off Delilah’s bestselling products
Bloom & Wild’s Father’s Day collection has gifts for every dad – from £24
This luxury bedding made me actually look forward to going to bed
Lindsey Brummitt, programme director at the Eden Project which leads The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, said: ‘Whether it’s chatting to neighbours, joining a community activity or lending a hand locally, small actions can make a big difference – not just to communities, but to how connected and fulfilled we feel ourselves.
Breaking up with your phone isn't always easy
Lauren Jeffries recently recounted how she tried a digital detox and was left feeling ‘totally powerless and completely out of control.’
In a bid to not ‘lose hours at a time to mindless scrolling’, Lauren decided to swap her iPhone for a brick phone. Relying on a radio alarm clock. She says, ‘my mood and energy were instantly boosted – and that feeling lasted all day.’
Though at first Lauren enjoyed being without ‘the constant interruption of notifications or the desire to unlock and scroll on my phone for no reason’ and describes feeling ‘present in the moment and creative’, she soon faced a hurdle when she went on a night out in Bristol’s city centre.
‘I found myself lost and I needed the safety features I’d come to rely on with modern technology; like location sharing.
‘I also realised I couldn’t get into clubs, events or gigs without emailing an e-ticket to a friend beforehand and ensuring we arrived together.
‘What initially seemed like the best experiment of my life ended up being cut short after just a few days, as I admitted defeat.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Arrow MORE: Is ‘monk mode’ a manosphere trap or a must-do in 2026?
Arrow MORE: Hackers trick Meta AI into handing over Instagram accounts – including Barack Obama’s
Arrow MORE: UK considering banning kids from speaking to strangers in Fortnite and Roblox
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The SliceYour free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Postcode ? DOB ? Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy