Study: Americans Spend 8 Hours A Day In Front Of Screens

New York Times:

IN a world with grocery store television screens, digitally delivered movie libraries and cellphone video clips, the average American is exposed to 61 minutes of TV ads and promotions a day.

Some people may think that amount seems excessive. But "people don't seem to be getting up and running away," said Jack Wakshlag, chief research officer at Turner Broadcasting.

In fact, adults are exposed to screens -- TVs, cellphones, even G.P.S. devices -- for about 8.5 hours on any given day, according to a study released by the Council for Research Excellence on Thursday.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[RoseMerry]

That all? Oh, now everyone spends 8 hours (or more) at work in front if a screen.

My doctor says there two things bad for your eyes. Watching TV and reading. I read off of TV screens for a living...and to play.

i am doomed.

[kashifsaeed28]

I live in Pakistan and I spend around 10 to 12 hours in front of the screen. This is really not healthy.
My blog:
http://project-you-are-not-alone.blogspot.com

[swift goat pet for truth]

That's my job. 5 of them simultaneously, too.

Does that count as 40 hours a day?

[MsIrisMG]

Now, THIS I believe. I don't watch much TV anymore other than Netflix and PBS, but if I'm not at my computer at work, then I'm at my computer at home, and then I'm playing games on my iPod, which is another screen. No wonder my eyes hurt.

[Bitsko]

So that explains why so many comments here are so inane.

[take10]

Are they complaining? I thought that was the whole idea, to get people hooked on the screen to impress advertisers. I know I spend a lot of time on my computer. That's why I bought it! If you want to know what's really going on in the world, a computer is your best bet. TV is filled with innuendo and opinion cesspools which attempt to imitate news coverage. Ever watch Morning Joe? If so, you know what I mean!

[SarcasticFringehead]

True words take10, but sometimes I wonder what effect all this staring at screens has on us. I know when I get out of work after being on a computer for eight hours or more, I feel pretty disembodied and numb. I can't help but wonder if we're all becoming a race of disembodied minds, lost completely inside our heads with our thoughts bouncing around like ping-pong balls. Are we really experiencing life at all or are we only experiencing our thoughts about life?

[take10]

Does it really matter? There is brain activity going on! I am retired and find the time I spend on my computer amusing. Besides, what other way do we have to be heard regarding issues of our time? I have hosted TV shows, radio shows and was a contributor to a weekly newspaper for several years. From that experience, I know how easily the average person is not taken too seriously when they are not in charge of the bully pulpit. Having your views published in media such as HP and possibly read by someone who can make a difference is a good thing. However, this exchange between you and me is OK too! It offers like minds from all over the world to come together. Not necessarily to agree on everything, but the dialog is sometimes as rewarding as it is informative...

[devanate]

That's it? Just 8? I'm sure I spend at least 16-20 hours a day in front of my computer.

[fbr79]

Me 2

[phinney]

I'm on hour 6 right now...

[Bendra]

What? You can't have quality of life on screens? I go to the library on my computer. I can scratch my itch for knowledge on the computer. I earned a living on the computer.

Back in the day, one could still waste one's life with nary a screen in sight.

[take10]

Are they complaining? I thought that was the whole idea, to get people hooked on the screen to impress advertisers. I know I spend a lot of time on my computer. That's why I bought it! If you want to know what's really going on in the world, a computer is your best bet. TV is filled with innuendo and opinion cesspools which attempt to imitate news coverag

[take10]

Are they complaining? I thought that was the whole idea, to get people hooked on the screen to impress advertisers. I know I spend a lot of time on my computer. That's why I bought it! If you want to know what's really going on in the world, a computer is your best bet. TV is filled with innuendo and opinion cesspools which attempt to imitate news coverage. Ever watch Morning Joe? If so, you know what I mean!

[motoGpifupleez]

How many additional hours can be included when accounting for the "Porn Factor"?

[Supercruize]

just done 7, 6 more to go.

[Tyler Brown]

8 hours? Maybe when you factor in the unemployed and impoverished... I don't remember the last time it was less than 8 hours...

[swlewis57]

12 hours a day in front of multiple screens, at least. Throw in the occassional gaming session, and I bet it is closer to 14 hours. I work in a TV station master control room, and I am, literally, surrounded by computers and monitors.

[normalkid0615]

yeah im in my early 20's and suffer from constant wrist and finger pain, ouch!

[gymbunnybee]

weekly 10 minute hand massages at NY nail salons have been my saving grace!

[greatlardini]

Yeah, my job requires me to sit in front of two screens all day. Do I get double credit, and time and a half when I'm at home??