Won't ya' hep me?

We know we should put the phone down. We may need a little help: More than half of U.S. adults—53%—say they spend too much time on their smartphones.

That’s according to a Pew Research Center survey of 9,750 adults conducted from May 26 to June 1, 2026. Another 36% say their phone use is about right. A remarkably restrained 3% say they could stand to scroll more.

Why it matters: The tiny computers in our pockets are useful, entertaining and exceptionally good at demanding attention. Recognizing the problem, it turns out, is much easier than logging off.

Behind the number: Younger adults feel the pull most. Seven in 10 adults under 30 say they overdo their phone time, as do 64% of those aged 30 to 49. The share drops to 49% among adults ages 50 to 64 and 25% among those 65 and older.

Overall, 45% of adults tried to cut back during the previous year. Among them, only 25% say they were extremely or very successful. Another 52% were somewhat successful.

Then there’s bedtime. Forty-one percent say smartphones hurt their sleep. Among adults under 30, that figure jumps to 62%.

The phone is useful, entertaining and always within reach. No wonder so many of us could use a little help putting it down.