Over the past two decades, screen-based media consumption has become one of the most transformative elements of modern life, affecting individuals across every age, culture, and demographic. From traditional television to digital streaming platforms, the nature of what we watch, how often we watch, and why we watch has changed dramatically. This shift has been driven by a complex interplay of technological, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors. In this article, we examine the trends in screen viewing habits in Turkey and across the globe over the last 20 years, using verifiable statistical data, while also offering a forward-looking simulation for the next 5, 10, and 20 years.
In Turkey, the average daily screen time per person in 2025 has reached 7 hours and 24 minutes. This marks an increase of 16 minutes compared to 2024 and reflects a broader upward trajectory seen consistently over the past two decades. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are reported to spend approximately 9 hours a day in front of screens. In contrast, individuals over the age of 55 tend to exhibit significantly lower screen times. Educational background also plays a role: individuals with lower levels of formal education generally consume more television content than their more highly educated counterparts. When considering content preferences in Turkey, television series and daytime talk shows dominate the landscape, especially among middle-aged and older audiences. Children and adolescents, meanwhile, are increasingly influenced by both traditional television and digital media content, with primary school-aged viewers being among the most affected.
Television Watching Time in the World
Globally, the average daily screen time in 2025 stands at approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. However, these averages vary significantly by region. South Africa currently holds the highest average screen time at 9 hours and 24 minutes per day, while Japan records the lowest with just 3 hours and 56 minutes. Turkey ranks among the top countries in terms of total screen consumption, consistent with broader patterns of increasing digital media engagement. Age again proves to be a critical factor. Gen Z globally mirrors Turkey’s pattern, logging around 9 hours of screen time daily. Even among toddlers, screen exposure is becoming increasingly common: nearly half of children aged 0 to 2 have regular interactions with smartphones, a fact that has prompted growing concern among educators and health professionals.
The reasons behind this increase in screen time are multifaceted. Psychologically, excessive screen use—especially among children aged 2 to 17—has been associated with reduced emotional stability, lower curiosity, and diminished self-regulation. Such effects raise long-term concerns regarding mental health and social development. On a sociological level, increasing digitalization has gradually replaced traditional forms of human interaction. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this shift, pushing many social, educational, and professional interactions onto screens and creating new routines of extended media use. Culturally, the massive growth in content variety and the on-demand nature of streaming platforms have reshaped how people engage with media. Individuals can now access highly personalized content libraries from virtually anywhere, eliminating many of the time and space limitations that once regulated television viewing. Finally, technological advancements—particularly the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets—have made screen-based entertainment more accessible than ever before. These devices serve as constant companions, integrating screen time into every aspect of daily life.
Estimated Television Viewing Projection for the Coming Years Based on Current Data
Looking toward the future, current data allows us to construct projections about how screen time may evolve over the next several decades. In Turkey, average daily screen time is expected to reach approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes by 2030. By 2035, this figure may increase to 8 hours and 15 minutes, and by 2045, it could surpass 9 hours and 30 minutes. On a global scale, similar trends are anticipated. Average screen time worldwide could climb to around 7 hours and 15 minutes in the next five years, 8 hours and 30 minutes in a decade, and potentially exceed 10 hours and 30 minutes within 20 years. These projections are based on current trends in technology adoption, digital media consumption patterns, and demographic behaviors.
In conclusion, the last 20 years have witnessed a profound transformation in screen viewing habits, both in Turkey and around the world. This evolution reflects not just changes in technology, but also deeper shifts in how people live, work, learn, and connect. As we move forward, it will be crucial for societies to balance the benefits of screen-based media—such as access to information, entertainment, and connection—with the psychological and social risks it may pose. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for policy makers and educators, but for families and individuals seeking to navigate an increasingly screen-saturated world.
