Smartphone Use in Germany: Everyday Companion with Steadily Increasing Usage Time

The average usage duration of smartphones across all age groups from 16 years upwards stretches to a considerable 150 minutes per day in Germany – a vital sign of the digital age. This insight was highlighted by a survey conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom, with the aim of decrypting the mobile phone habits of Germans. Particularly noteworthy is the younger generation: The age group of 16 to 29-year-olds spends an average of 182 minutes daily on the smartphone. Their slightly older contemporaries, those aged 30 to 49, are still involved with the mobile device for a significant 158 minutes per day. Not far behind is the usage behavior of the 50 to 64-year-olds, with an average time of 148 minutes per day. Senior citizens aged 65 and above, meanwhile, seem to be somewhat more reserved in their use of technology, with an average mobile companion time of 96 minutes per day. An interesting aspect revealed by the study concerns the perceived benefits of smartphones, which are increasingly less frequently used for traditional voice calls. Instead, an average calling time of 29 minutes per day was disclosed. Here again, the younger crowd stands out, averaging 36 minutes of phone calls daily, followed by the 30 to 49-year-olds with 31 minutes. The 50 to 64-year-olds take it at a more relaxed pace with 27 minutes, and the group over 65 finds itself at a modest 17 minutes. The digitalization of interpersonal contact has become firmly integrated into the daily lives of the population. Thus, 55 percent of respondents indicated that without the digital companion, many friendships might not be maintained. An impressive 83 percent cannot imagine existence without the constant companion of a smartphone – a compelling testament to its significance in our modern lives.