In 2025, a new study has unveiled the most addictive social media apps, with TikTok emerging as the frontrunner. According to research conducted by Media Mister, TikTok leads the ranking, accounting for a staggering 2,482.50 monthly searches related to limiting screen time on the platform. This figure highlights the growing concern among users about the amount of time spent on social media.
Recent findings indicate that the average person now spends 58.4 minutes per day on TikTok, reflecting a significant increase of 31 minutes since the app's launch in 2019. Popular search queries such as "Why do I scroll on TikTok for hours" and "How to turn off screen time on TikTok" underscore the platform's impact on user behavior.
Following TikTok, Instagram ranks as the second most time-consuming app, accumulating an average of 1,422.50 searches monthly for ways to reduce screen time. Users spend an average of 33 minutes each day on Instagram, with searches like "How to limit screen time on Instagram" being frequently conducted.
YouTube takes the third spot, with 987.50 average monthly searches concerning screen time. As of 2024, users spend around 48.7 minutes daily on YouTube, which is almost a ten-minute increase compared to the platform's early days.
Snapchat is identified as the fourth most time-consuming app, with a monthly search volume of 838.33 focused on limiting screen time. Users typically spend about 30 minutes per day on Snapchat, indicating its significant role in daily digital engagement.
Facebook ranks fifth, generating an average of 592.50 searches related to reducing screen time. Studies show that users spend approximately 31 minutes daily on Facebook, which is a 20% decrease compared to 2019. This decline reflects shifting user preferences and behaviors in the social media landscape.
Next on the list is X (formerly known as Twitter), with an average of 269.17 monthly searches aimed at cutting down screen time. Users spend about 34 minutes per day on X, with 48% of them primarily using the platform for news updates.
Reddit follows closely as the seventh most time-consuming app, with 268.33 monthly searches concerning screen time reduction. The average user now spends roughly 18 minutes per day on Reddit, a figure that continues to rise annually.
Discord is named the eighth most time-consuming app, accumulating 262.50 monthly searches regarding screen time reduction. As of 2024, users spend an average of nine minutes per day on Discord, highlighting its niche appeal in the social media ecosystem.
John Rampton, Chief Operating Officer of Media Mister, commented on the implications of these findings: "In the digital age, the time that we spend on our phones is rapidly becoming a point of concern for many people. It’s important to emphasise that apps are designed to have an addictive nature, which is why ‘doomscrolling’ has become such a prevalent phenomenon on apps such as TikTok and Instagram."
Rampton further elaborated, stating, "Screens have become intertwined with both our working life and leisure time, which is why the average person spends approximately 7 hours and 4 minutes looking at screens each day." This staggering statistic raises questions about the impact of prolonged screen time on mental health and overall well-being.
Particularly concerning is TikTok's growing influence, with users spending nearly an hour daily on the platform. Rampton advised, "It’s essential to be aware of the early warning signs that you may be spending too much time on your phone. If you’re feeling guilty about your screen time or have trouble concentrating when you’re not on your phone, then it may be worth taking proactive steps to cut down your daily screen time."
Excessive screen time can lead to various physical symptoms, including fatigue, frequent eye strain, and headaches. To mitigate these issues, Rampton suggests several effective strategies: setting daily screen time limits or reminders, deleting particularly time-consuming apps, and turning off notifications to focus on other activities.
As the digital landscape evolves, understanding the addictive nature of social media applications becomes crucial for users. The findings from Media Mister serve as a wake-up call, prompting individuals to reflect on their screen time habits and consider healthier digital consumption practices.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the growing concern surrounding social media addiction, with TikTok leading the charge. As users grapple with their screen time, it remains essential to strike a balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions. The insights provided by this research could help users make informed decisions about their social media usage and foster a healthier relationship with technology.
