Hooked in 2025: the alarming reality of digital addiction

AS WE PLUNGE deeper into the digital age, a new societal affliction is taking root: digital addiction.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

According to the recent Hooked in 2025 survey presented by Casinos Blockchain, a staggering 95% of US adults engage with YouTube, affirming its status as the most habit-forming platform.

Coupled with rising screen time across social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, this data raises critical questions about our relationship with technology and its far-reaching implications on mental health.

The survey, which sampled 1000 participants, paints a vivid picture of how behavioural dependencies are evolving, with distinct patterns fluctuating across different age groups and platforms.

With nearly one in five users reporting over five hours spent daily on YouTube, and around 80% of respondents admitting to engaging frequently with social media, the scope of addiction is undeniable.

Social media: the primary addiction

YouTube stands out prominently, with an unprecedented user engagement metric that reflects its critical role in habit-forming behaviours.

Over one-third of users check YouTube more than ten times daily, with extreme cases clocking upwards of five hours on the platform.