The United Arab Emirates has topped the list of countries most reliant on technology, according to a new study that indicates all residents have internet access, spending an average of eight hours daily on digital devices. The research, conducted by TRG Datacenters, assessed global dependence on digital platforms based on various metrics including daily screen time, social media usage, and the adoption rates of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Netflix, alongside internet penetration statistics.
On average, residents of the UAE spend 7 hours and 59 minutes each day in front of screens, with about three hours dedicated to social media. TikTok emerges as the most popular platform in the country, boasting more than 94,300 users per 100,000 people, surpassing Instagram in terms of adoption rate.
A representative from the company noted that screen time continues to rise, with social media now consuming more hours than traditional television. Unlike TV, which adhered to fixed schedules, the content flow on social media is unending, creating a cycle that makes it difficult to cease usage. The challenge lies in finding a balance that allows the benefits of these platforms without replacing rest, focus, and time away from connectivity.
The report highlights distinct variations among countries, noting that both the UAE and Singapore enjoy comprehensive internet access, while different levels of device reliance are observed in other nations. Nonetheless, the impact of social media and streaming services remains significant on daily routines worldwide.
Moreover, the report indicates that the integration of digital technology is reshaping work, entertainment, and communication patterns globally, amid increasing reliance on digital platforms and a decline in traditional social interactions, raising questions about how societies will adapt to these changes in the near future.
Brazil ranks second in the index, where its citizens log the longest daily screen time globally, averaging 9 hours and 9 minutes, including 3 hours and 32 minutes spent on social media—the highest ratio in the world. Instagram is the most widely used platform there. Saudi Arabia comes in third, with an average daily screen time exceeding 7 hours, nearly three of which are dedicated to social media. TikTok leads the platform usage in the kingdom, with a rate more than double that of Instagram.