A survey reveals that 90% of people unconsciously use their phones, and 80% want to reduce usage but find it difficult to do so. The Kanto Smart Living Cooperative suggests setting off-peak hours, purposes for use, and placement of phones to establish healthy digital habits.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – A recent “2024 Smartphone Addiction Survey” released by the Jobsoken, a job-seeking service provider, indicates that 90% of respondents are aware of their “unconscious phone use” habit, and over 70% believe they are already dependent on smartphones. The survey targeted 606 working individuals aged 20 to 50 nationwide. The results show that smartphones have become deeply integrated into life, but are also changing people’s sleep habits, concentration, and psychological well-being.
Among the 450 respondents who identified as having addictive tendencies, the average daily phone usage time was 4 hours and 25 minutes, but the maximum they could tolerate without using their phones was 2 hours and 17 minutes, about half of their usage time. Many people stated that they use their phones not out of necessity, but out of reflex or habit, such as “I want to swipe whenever I have a spare moment” or “Time just slips away without me noticing.” The most common content used is social media, video platforms, and instant messaging, indicating that smartphones simultaneously serve as entertainment, social interaction, and emotional outlets.
However, excessive phone use also brings side effects. Over 70% of respondents said that phone use affects their lives, with decreased sleep quality, eye strain, and reduced concentration being the most common issues. Furthermore, nearly 90% of respondents reported feeling uneasy and anxious in environments without their phones, especially among those in their 30s, reflecting a connection between smart technology and psychological attachment.
Respondents also shared their own struggles during the survey. A 35-year-old public relations professional said, “I know scrolling through my phone is pointless, but I always feel the urge to pick it up whenever my hands are free. What I intend to do for five minutes before bed turns into an hour and a half. If I forget my phone one day, I feel anxious all day.” A 27-year-old engineer said, “Phones are really convenient, but sometimes it feels like I’m not using the phone, but the phone is controlling me.”
It’s worth noting that 80% of respondents wanted to reduce their phone usage time, but few actually succeeded. In response, the Japanese lifestyle research group Kanto Smart Living Cooperative offers three suggestions: First, set fixed “off-peak hours,” such as avoiding phone use for 30 minutes before bed or before breakfast, allowing the body to readjust its time rhythm. Second, set a purpose before using the phone, such as “only checking messages for five minutes,” to avoid unconsciously browsing and extending usage time. Third, intentionally place the phone where it’s out of sight or hand reach, such as in a bag, desk drawer, or another room, to reduce reflexive phone touches.
With the continued rise in smartphone use, people should establish healthy digital usage habits to reduce potential risks such as sleep disorders, eye strain, and psychological stress. Experts urge that smartphones should be used as tools, not the center of life, and suggest that people regularly review their usage time and emotional reactions, gradually adjusting their digital behaviors to ensure a healthy balance between technology use and quality of life.
Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com
SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
