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Baby boomers are increasingly glued to their smartphones

A survey shows screen time has increased dramatically since 2020

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Key Insights

  • Baby Boomers spend nearly three hours a day on their smartphones, according to a new survey.
  • More than half say their screen time has increased in the last five years.
  • The findings highlight a growing trend of tech reliance among older generations.

It turns out that young people aren’t the only ones who may be spending a little too much time staring at their smartphones. A new survey from AddictionResource.net found that baby boomers are spending far more time on their smartphones than many might expect. 

On average, respondents reported using their devices for 2 hours and 47 minutes per day, blurring generational stereotypes about who is most attached to technology.

The survey found that 56% of baby boomers admit their daily phone usage has increased over the past five years. Many cited staying connected with family, reading news, and online shopping as the main drivers behind the uptick. The growing popularity of social media platforms among older users has also contributed, with Facebook and YouTube ranking as the most frequently used apps.

Impact on daily life

While Boomers were once characterized as “tech-resistant,” the report shows they now rely on smartphones for many aspects of daily living. From mobile banking to health apps and even streaming entertainment, smartphones have become deeply integrated into their routines. 

However, the survey also uncovered concerns: nearly one in five participants said they felt their phone usage was “too high” and worried it might be affecting their sleep or social interactions.

Although Millennials and Gen Z still lead in screen time, the narrowing gap suggests a shift in technology adoption across age groups. Experts say the trend is significant because it signals that digital well-being challenges are not confined to younger generations. Addiction specialists recommend that boomers, like their younger counterparts, consider setting screen-time limits to maintain a healthier balance.

Among the main takeaways –  smartphones have become indispensable tools across all generations. For baby boomers, once thought to lag behind in digital adoption, the findings show a profound cultural shift: technology is no longer optional, but a central part of modern living.