“I have the right to do anything,” you say— but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”— but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
As of early 2026, adults reportedly average around 7 hours of screen time each day, with ages 16-34 spending over 7 hours, and adults 55+ spending around 5 hours. Females 16-24 reportedly spend the most time (around 7.5 hours), while males 25-44 spend the most (about 7.1 hours).
Additionally, there are approximately 5.7 billion social media users globally, which is nearly 70% of the Earth’s population.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Now, what is considered to be an excessive amount of screen time? Well, that varies with age.
Major health organizations such as AAP and CDC say that young children under 24 months should not have any screen time, while children 2-5 should not exceed an hour a day. Children 5-17 are not supposed to exceed two hours daily, excluding schoolwork, and excessive screen time for adults is said to be a couple of hours outside of work.
Why does this matter? Excessive screen time, as well as the use of social media, has proven to be very addicting and correlates with an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Screen use is connected to social isolation, where people feel lonely due to mostly online interactions and reduced faceto-face interactions.
Screen use, especially at night, interferes with a person’s sleep cycle due to the blue light, resulting in poor sleep and fatigue.
Social media often leads to low self-esteem and body image issues. Cyberbullying has become increasingly common, leading mostly older children and adolescents to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The fear of missing out (FOMO) has increased, as being online has caused this to develop more often and make people feel excluded.
The constant stream on information online shortens attention spans and affects an individual’s focus, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Importantly, for young people, excessive screen use may impact brain areas related to emotional regulation and impulse control, making them more agitated and worsening their self-control. Though many may disagree with this, it is worth noting that Gen Z and Generation Alpha have a significant increase in screen time than the former generations, and these generations have proven to have less self-control.
A man without selfcontrol is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28 Limiting oneself or taking a screen detox has proven to reduce these negative symptoms and increase the positive ones that were negatively impacted and lead to more productivity. Rather than scrolling without purpose, one has more time for hobbies, responsibilities, and hanging out with family, with the potential of deeper in-person interactions rather than the distracted digital ones.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
So, what should one do? Set boundaries: app timers/limits, turn off notifications, schedule breaks, and replace scrolling with reading, walking, or socializing.
If you are planning on a screen detox, find an accountability partner and be realistic, taking small steps.
Additionally, devices that have screen time allows you to be aware of how much time you waste and on what app.
But why should you care about all of this? Because our days are numbered, and time feels as if it has accelerated. Why should God have put us on this Earth if we intend to waste our time rather than try to find our purpose or pursue something that will have a positive impact, whether it be on ourselves or others?
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12