Americans now spend 10 hours online every day

How much time do you really spend online each day?

If you're like most Americans, it's probably more than you think. A new survey commissioned by Optimum reveals that the average U.S. adult spends over 10 hours a day online. 

That's nearly half the day spent looking at a screen. So what are we all doing online? The breakdown is pretty eye-opening and maybe a little concerning.

Streaming and scrolling dominate our days

TV is still the top choice for streaming, with 55% of respondents saying they prefer it for watching content. Mobile phones account for 20%, while laptops, desktops and tablets collectively make up 25%.

While streaming takes up a large chunk of time, the internet is clearly the central hub for multitasking. Here's what else people are doing:

And yes, most people are logging in from more than one device. Mobile phones and computers are the primary tools for general browsing, but 44% of users also access the web from their TVs.

Spending over 10 hours online daily can blur the line between productivity and passive consumption. That much screen time affects your mental focus, posture, sleep and social habits.

It also says something about the role technology plays in your day-to-day life. Whether you're working, shopping, relaxing or staying connected, the digital world now shapes how you spend your time and energy.

Most websites now offer this extra step for logging in. It's a quick way to block intruders even if your password gets exposed.

Your device's operating system and apps often release security patches. Don't wait. Install them promptly to close known vulnerabilities.

Install browser extensions that block trackers, ads and fingerprinting. This helps reduce how much data websites collect about you.

Take a few minutes to check what your apps know about you. Turn off location tracking where you don't need it.

These services scan the web for your personal details, like your phone number, home address or age, and help remove them from data broker sites. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren't cheap - and neither is your privacy.  

These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

A strong antivirus program can detect and block threats before they compromise your system or steal sensitive data. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

The results from this survey don't just reveal a trend. They highlight a reality that many have normalized: we spend a significant portion of our lives online. And while the Internet offers convenience and entertainment, it's worth asking what we might be trading in exchange for screen time.

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