New global reports suggest Gen Z spends thousands of hours on social media every year, raising growing concerns about mental health, happiness, and digital addiction.

Recent global reports indicate that Gen Z users spend an average of around 4 hours per day on social media platforms — equal to nearly:

• 28 hours per week
• 1,460 hours per year
• approximately 60 full days annually

Analysts estimate that by age 25, many Gen Z individuals could spend nearly 4–5 years of their lives on social media and digital platforms combined.

At the same time, researchers and mental health experts are increasingly discussing links between excessive social media use, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and declining happiness among younger generations. The 2026 World Happiness Report also highlighted falling life satisfaction among young people in several countries.

Experts say social media itself is not always harmful, but constant comparison, doomscrolling, online pressure, and reduced real-world interaction may contribute to mental health struggles among digitally connected generations.

Disclaimer:

Statistics vary depending on country, platform usage, and research methodology. Social media’s impact on mental health differs from person to person and remains an active area of scientific study.