Where Is the Screen Time Going?
Screen time is shifting significantly as competition rises among various entertainment platforms. In the U.S., social media usage surged, with Americans spending 122 million more hours daily than in 2020/2021, largely driven by TikTok’s contribution of 39 million hours. Meanwhile, mobile gaming sees a decline, with installs at a 12-year low. Consumer spending on platforms like OnlyFans skyrocketed from $215 million in 2019 to approximately $5 billion in 2025, showcasing a dramatic shift in preferences. Increased spending in online sports betting and iGaming also reflects this trend, surging from $1.2 billion to $32.8 billion since 2019. Additionally, consumer AI app installations soared from 100 million to nearly 1 billion in 2023. The gaming industry is struggling as American men aged 18 to 34 increasingly engage in crypto trading, sports betting, and other alternatives, intensifying competition for screen time and user attention across platforms.
