Can You Guess Our Screen Time? A Priest, Pensioner, Tech CEO, and Teenager Reveal All

Screen time: we all know it exists, but how much do we really spend staring at phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs? A recent informal look at people from very different walks of life—from a priest to a tech CEO—shows just how varied (and surprising) our screen habits can be. The answers reveal more than just numbers; they give a glimpse into modern life itself.

The Teenager: Always Connected

Let’s start with the most predictable: the teenager. Fifteen-year-old Mia, a student in Birmingham, admits her screen time is “probably embarrassing.” Between online classes, homework, social media, and TikTok, she estimates she spends around 7–9 hours a day on screens, not including gaming.

“I know people say it’s too much, but schoolwork counts, right? And half my friends are online anyway,” she says.

Experts note that for teenagers, screen time is often intertwined with education, social life, and entertainment. While 7–9 hours may seem high, much of it is interactive rather than passive. Still, they advise regular breaks to reduce eye strain, ensure adequate sleep, and maintain mental wellbeing.

The Tech CEO: Always “On”

Next up is a tech CEO, 42-year-old Julian, who admits his job practically demands constant connectivity. “I probably average 12 hours of screen time daily,” he says, laughing ruefully. “Emails, video calls, monitoring operations, reviewing data… it never stops.”

Unlike Mia, Julian’s screen time is work-driven. Even his downtime often involves devices, whether checking news or reading industry reports. “It’s part of the job, but I try to schedule some ‘offline time’ in the evenings,” he adds.

Psychologists caution that excessive screen time in adults, especially work-related, can increase stress levels, disrupt sleep, and reduce face-to-face social interactions. Experts recommend using digital boundaries, such as limiting late-night emails and using ‘do not disturb’ modes, to manage the mental load.

The Priest: Balancing Tradition and Technology

Then there’s Father Michael, a priest in his 50s, whose daily routine balances pastoral duties with the digital age. “I probably spend 3–4 hours a day on screens,” he says.

He uses technology for administrative tasks, sermon preparation, and community outreach via social media. “I also watch livestreams of services from other parishes. Technology helps me reach more people than ever before,” he explains.

While his screen time is modest compared to a tech CEO or teenager, it illustrates how even traditionally low-tech professions are now partially digital. Clergy and community leaders increasingly rely on technology to maintain engagement and communication, especially in remote or hybrid contexts.

The Pensioner: Staying Social and Informed

Finally, meet Margaret, 72, a retired teacher and grandmother who uses screens to stay connected with family and the wider world. She estimates about 2–3 hours of daily screen time, mostly spent on video calls with grandchildren, browsing news sites, and streaming TV.

“I wasn’t brought up with all this technology, but I’ve learned. It keeps me in touch with my children and grandchildren, and it’s great for hobbies like gardening videos or crossword apps,” she says.

Experts highlight that moderate screen time among older adults can have social and cognitive benefits. Video calls, online learning, and digital hobbies can reduce isolation, promote engagement, and even help with mental agility.

What These Differences Tell Us

Looking at the screen-time habits of a teenager, a tech CEO, a priest, and a pensioner highlights a few patterns:

Purpose matters: Teenagers and pensioners tend to mix leisure and communication, while adults in high-demand careers have more work-oriented screen time.

Screen time is unavoidable: From social media to work tasks, screens are now integral to education, employment, and social connections.

Age influences duration: Younger people often spend longer overall due to entertainment and education, whereas older adults have shorter, more intentional usage.

Mental health considerations: Excessive or unstructured screen time can impact sleep, stress levels, and social interactions, regardless of age.

Expert Advice on Healthy Screen Habits

Health and technology experts recommend strategies to manage screen time without feeling disconnected:

Take regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Set boundaries: Use app timers or ‘focus modes’ to reduce passive scrolling.

Prioritize offline time: Engage in physical activities, face-to-face interactions, and hobbies without screens.

Be mindful: Pay attention to how screen use affects mood and productivity; adjust habits accordingly.

Even for professions and lifestyles that demand high screen use, small adjustments can reduce fatigue and enhance wellbeing.

Surprising Insights

What surprised the observers in this informal survey was how essential screens are for everyone, regardless of age or occupation. The priest’s use of technology for community engagement, the pensioner’s use for social connection, and the teenager’s educational requirements all show that screen time is not inherently negative—it’s context and purpose that matter most.

Julian, the tech CEO, puts it succinctly: “Screens aren’t the problem; it’s how you manage them. They’re tools—powerful ones—but only if you use them wisely.”

The Takeaway

From swings in a teenager’s daily routine to the constant connectivity of a tech CEO, and from a priest balancing tradition with technology to a pensioner staying socially connected, screen time is deeply personal and contextual. It is shaped by occupation, age, responsibilities, and lifestyle choices.

What emerges is less a picture of addiction and more a portrait of modern life itself, where screens are integral—but balance remains key.

Whether for learning, work, social interaction, or leisure, screens have reshaped how we live, and managing them thoughtfully is now a crucial life skill.