A global screen addiction study places the UAE among the top 10 most screen-dependent countries, with residents spending nearly eight hours daily on digital devices.
DUBAI: The UAE has been ranked among the world’s most screen-addicted countries in a new international study examining device usage, social media habits and the potential impact of prolonged screen exposure on health.
Conducted by eyewear brand Overnight Glasses, the research analysed more than 45 countries and measured daily time spent on digital devices, social media use, internet penetration, social media adoption and reported vision loss linked to excessive screen exposure. Countries were then assigned an overall score to determine levels of screen dependency.
Here’s a look at the top 10 most screen-addicted countries in the world:
| Country | Total Daily Time Spent on Devices (Hours:Minutes) | Time Spent on Social Media (Hours:Minutes) | Internet Users (%) | Social Media Users (%) | Vision Loss % |
| South Africa | 9:37 | 3:10 | 78.40% | 44.46% | 21.60% |
| Philippines | 8:44 | 3:38 | 67.30% | 81.38% | 14.30% |
| Brazil | 8:52 | 3:24 | 84.50% | 70.24% | 12.30% |
| Chile | 8:33 | 3:24 | 95.60% | 81.22% | 5.20% |
| Colombia | 8:44 | 3:24 | 79.30% | 69.90% | 13.70% |
| Argentina | 8:38 | 3:24 | 89.70% | 71.52% | 5.40% |
| Malaysia | 7:59 | 2:52 | 98.00% | 84.38% | 14.40% |
| Indonesia | 7:22 | 3:14 | 72.80% | 62.52% | 15.50% |
| UAE | 7:54 | 2:16 | 100% | 107.99% | 10.10% |
| Thailand | 7:38 | 2:35 | 90.90% | 79.09% | 15.20% |
You can access the complete research findings here.
According to the findings, the UAE ranks ninth globally among the most screen-addicted countries. Residents spend an average of 7 hours and 54 minutes each day using digital devices, while social media accounts for approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes of daily activity. The study also notes that the UAE recorded full internet penetration, reflecting the country’s highly connected digital environment.
South Africa topped the ranking, with people spending 9 hours and 37 minutes on screens daily and reporting the highest rate of vision-related issues among surveyed nations. The Philippines ranked second and recorded the highest social media usage, with residents spending an average of 3 hours and 38 minutes per day on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Other countries in the top 10 included Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Researchers noted that many of the highest-ranking countries combined extensive internet access with significant engagement across social media platforms.
The report highlights growing concerns about the health effects associated with extended screen use. Experts point to eye strain, dry eyes, disrupted sleep patterns and neck discomfort as some of the most common issues linked to prolonged device exposure.
Despite ranking among the most screen-addicted countries, the UAE’s figures remain below those recorded in South Africa and several Latin American nations. The study also found that Denmark and Japan reported the lowest daily screen time, averaging around four hours per day, making them among the best-performing countries for maintaining digital balance.
