Forget walking, Americans scroll 86 miles a year on phones, and the number keeps rising - are you guilty too?

In today's world, where everything is digital, our fingers are going farther than our feet. A new study shows that Americans scroll the equivalent of 86 miles per year on their phones. In some states, the numbers are even higher. The data shows not only how far away we are, but also the hidden cost of our obsession with screens.

People all over the country, from Arizona to New York, spend hours on their devices every day, often without realizing how much time and energy they're wasting. Experts say that this "scrolling marathon" isn't just a weird fact; it's hurting the economy and costing the world trillions of dollars, as per a report by The NY Post.

How far are Americans really scrolling?

Researchers at Toll Free Forwarding found that the average American spends 6 hours and 35 minutes a day looking at screens, which adds up to an amazing 86 miles of scrolling every year. For example, New Yorkers spend an average of 6 hours and 12 minutes a day walking, which adds up to more than 81 miles a year, as per a report by The NY Post.

The study found that most people check their devices 58 times a day, and more than half of those checks happen while they are at work. Even more shocking, half of those interruptions happen within three minutes of the last one, which experts call a "nonstop loop of distraction."

Which states are ahead in the scrolling race?

New Yorkers may think they're some of the worst, but they don't even make the top 10. Arizona takes the crown, with people spending an average of 8 hours and 50 minutes a day on screens, an amazing 115 miles of scrolling a year, as per a report by The NY Post.


ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here’s the new timeline

Washington came in second with 108 miles, and Kentucky came in third with 105 miles. Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana are also states where people scroll a lot. Even at the bottom of the list, people are still running close to 90 miles a year, which is almost the length of several marathons put together, as per a report by The NY Post.


ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe

How much does all this time in front of a screen cost us?

Experts say there is a much bigger problem than the strange numbers. Analysts say that switching tasks too often can cut productivity by as much as 40%, which is a big problem for businesses, as per a report by The NY Post.

The damage to the economy is just as bad. Wasted screen time is thought to cost the world economy $8.8 trillion every year. Phones are making it harder than ever to tell the difference between work and play because they keep you from focusing, sending you notifications, and making you want to check your social media.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pro: The key differences Apple doesn’t want you to miss

FAQs

How long does the average American use their phone each day?
It takes about 6 hours and 35 minutes, which adds up to more than 2,400 hours a year.

What state has the most scrolling each year?
Arizona has the most scrolling, with an average of 115 miles per year.