The South Africa internet offers an escape — a window into better worlds, opportunities, and even humour in hardship. Technology itself isn’t the problem. The real issue is how we engage with it.

There’s a certain irony in this: a country battling one of the world’s highest unemployment rates has now earned another top spot — South Africans spend more time online than anyone else in the world.

According to the 2025 We Are Social and DataReportal Global Digital Report, South Africans spend an average of 9 hours and 37 minutes online each day — far above the global average of six hours.

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

Countries like Brazil, the Philippines and Chile also report high internet use, but South Africa stands out. These numbers highlight how deeply the internet has become woven into daily life — offering connection, distraction and opportunity in equal measure.

Currently, 72% of South Africans have internet access, far above most African countries. On the surface, this looks like progress: better connectivity, more access and new opportunities. But there’s more to the story.

In a country where unemployment remains above 32%, much of that online time doesn’t translate into productivity or economic growth. As one Instagram user commented under the viral report post: “Of course we’re online — over 60% of us are unemployed.”

This reflects a paradox: high internet use doesn’t necessarily mean high productivity. For example, Germany and Denmark average just over five hours online daily, yet they lead globally in workforce efficiency and GDP per capita. South Africa, meanwhile, spends nearly double the time online with far less economic output to show for it.

A 2024 survey by Adoozy, a mobile power bank provider, revealed shocking insights into South Africa’s digital habits. About 92% of respondents said they couldn’t go more than 24 hours without their phones, while 64% admitted they’d struggle to last even one hour. Nearly 40% said they’d rather sit in traffic than part with their devices.

Adoozy CEO Kegan Peffer explained that mobile phones have become indispensable: “People have fully embraced how mobile phones can enhance and add value to their daily lives.”

Interestingly, the survey also found that 72% of users had used their phones to get out of a dangerous situation — proof that technology can sometimes be life-saving.

A study by Nelson Mandela University, led by Professor Kerry-Lynn Thomson, found that South Africans spend about three more hours online daily than the global average.

The country also has 25 million active social media users. Popular platforms include WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and increasingly TikTok, which has become the go-to space for entertainment and escapism.

According to Meltwater, the top reasons South Africans use the internet are finding information (83.6%), learning how to do things (79.9%) and staying in touch with family and friends (72.5%).

The Global Digital Report 2025, produced by Meltwater and We Are Social, also shows that South Africans use the internet more for learning than any other nation.

Each week, 58.5% of users watch tutorials, educational videos, or how-to content, compared to a global average of 40.2%. So, while much of the screen time is recreational, a significant portion is spent seeking knowledge.

Despite its benefits, our attachment to technology has downsides. Prolonged screen time can lead to sleep disruption, anxiety, social fatigue, and feelings of inadequacy or disconnection.

These findings echo the 2024 World Health Organization report on digital wellness, which warns of the emotional toll of excessive online activity.

South Africa’s position as the world’s most connected country is both a triumph and a warning. To turn this engagement into meaningful growth, several steps are vital.

First, internet access must go hand-in-hand with education on responsible and productive use.

Second, workplaces and schools should promote screen breaks, while individuals should prioritise offline activities to maintain balance.

Third, policymakers and businesses must use digital engagement to drive innovation in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship.

It’s easy to understand why South Africans are glued to their screens. The internet offers hope, laughter and opportunity in challenging times. Technology isn’t the enemy — how we use it determines whether it empowers or exhausts us.