SOUTH AFRICANS GLUED TO DEVICES FOR ALMOST HALF THE DAY

THERE’S a certain irony in it that a country battling one of the world’s highest unemployment rates has now claimed another top spot: South Africans spend more time online than anyone else in the world.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

THE internet offers an escape, a window into better worlds, opportunities, and even humour in hardship. Technology itself isn't the problem. It's how we engage with it. | Pexels

The 2025 We Are Social and DataReportal Global Digital Report shows that South Africans spend about nine hours and 37 minutes online each day, much more than the global average of six hours.

This means nearly half our waking hours are spent online, making South Africa the most connected country in the world.

Countries like Brazil, the Philippines and Chile also spend a lot of time online, but South Africa stands out. These numbers are both interesting and a bit concerning. They show how much the internet is part of our daily lives and how many of us look for connection, distraction, or opportunity online.

About 72% of South Africans now have internet access, which is much higher than in many other African countries. This appears to be good news, indicating progress in digital access, connectivity, and opportunities.

However, there is more to the story than just increased screen time.

In a country where unemployment sits stubbornly above 32%, much of that screen time isn't necessarily fueling productivity or economic growth. As one Instagram user quipped under the viral report post, “Of course we're online, over 60% of us are unemployed”