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How much time do you really spend online every day?
If you are like most Americans, this may be more than you think. A new survey commissioned by Optimum shows that American adults usually spend more than 10 hours online every day.
That was the last half a day when I looked at the screen. So what are we all doing online? The collapse is eye-opening and perhaps a little worrying.
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A woman typing on a laptop. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Stream and roll dominate our days
According to the report,,,,, A survey of 2,000 adults with 2,000 American home internet shows that Americans spend nearly 5.4 hours a day, from browsing the internet, reading emails to gaming, working and paying bills. Another 5 hours to go directly to streaming shows or movies.
TV remains the top choice for streaming, with 55% of respondents saying they prefer to watch content. Mobile phones account for 20%, while laptops, desktops and tablets together account for 25%.
A woman looking at Netflix. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Americans really use the Internet
Although streaming takes up a large portion of the time, the internet is clearly the central hub for multitasking. Here’s what people are still doing:
- 79% browse the website or pay the bill
- 73% of social media scrolling
- 72% online stores
- 37% use it to complete work tasks
- 20% of school job login
Yes, most people log in from multiple devices. Mobile phones and computers are the main tools for universal browsing, but 44% of users can also access the network from their TVs.
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A man typing on an online laptop. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
What does this mean to you
Spending more than 10 hours online every day can blur the line between productivity and passive consumption. So much screen time will affect your psychological focus, posture, sleep and social habits.
It also illustrates the role technology plays in your daily life. Whether you are working, shopping, relaxing or staying connected, the digital world now shapes the way you spend your time and energy.
How to protect your time online
If you spend 10 hours online every day, your personal information and privacy will be threatened in half of your waking life. This exposure requires stronger digital habits and quick security checks. Here are some easy steps to help you stay safer online.
1. Use a powerful unique password
Avoid reuse of passwords on your account. Password managers can help generate and store them. Consider using a password manager that securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.
Check out the best expert review password managers in 2025 cyberguy.com/passwords.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
Now, most websites offer additional steps to log in. Even if your password is exposed, this is a quick way to stop intruders.
3. Regularly update software
Your device’s operating system and applications will typically issue security patches. Don’t wait. Install them in time to close known vulnerabilities.
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4. Restrict public Wi-Fi usage
Avoid using it if you want to view a bank account or sensitive email Public Network Unless you use a secure VPN.
For the best VPN software, see my expert reviews for the best VPNs to browse the web privately on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices exist cyberguy.com/vpn.
5. Use privacy tools and extensions
Install browser extensions to block trackers, ads, and fingerprints. This helps reduce the amount of data websites collected.
6. View privacy settings on applications and devices
Take a few minutes to check what your app knows about you. Turn off location tracking that you don’t need.
7. Use personal data deletion services
These services scan the network for your personal details, such as your phone number, home address, or age, and help remove it from the data broker website. While there is no service that guarantees complete deletion of data from the Internet, a data deletion service is indeed a wise choice. They are not cheap – nor are your privacy.
These services provide you with all your work by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. This is where I feel at ease and proves to be the most effective way to delete your personal data from the internet. By limiting the available information, you can reduce the risk of cross-references of data from fraudsters in violations and find information on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my preferred data deletion service and scan it for free to see if your personal information is already accessible on the internet cyberguy.com/delete.
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8. Install strong anti-virus software
A powerful antivirus program can detect and block threats before damaging your system or stealing sensitive data. The best way to protect yourself from installing malware (malicious links that may access private information) is to install antivirus software on all devices. This protection can also remind you about phishing email and ransomware scams, ensuring your personal information and digital assets are secure.
For the best antivirus protection in 2025, visit cyberguy.com/lockupyourtech.
For more ways to control your digital privacy, check out 11 easy ways to protect your online privacy.
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Kurt’s key points
The results of this survey reveal more than just trends. They highlight the reality of many people’s normalization: We spend a large portion of the money online. Despite the convenience and entertainment provided by the internet, it’s worth asking what we might want to trade in exchange for screen time.
So your question is: Do you control screen time or do you? Let’s write to us cyberguy.com/contact.
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