THE average American spends nearly two and a half hours a day dream scrolling, looking at dream purchases or things they'd like to own one day, a new study suggests. About 71% of the study participants agree the act is time well spent, as the habit motivates them to reach their financial goals. In a recent poll of 2,000 US adults, more than two in five respondents said they spend more time dream scrolling when the economy is uncertain (43%).
In a year, that amounts to about 873 hours or nearly 36 days spent scrolling. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of financial services company Empower, the survey reveals half of the respondents say they dream scroll while on the job, and of those, one in five admits to spending between three and four hours a day multitasking while at work. Gen Zers spend the most time dream scrolling at just over three hours per day, while boomers spend the least, clocking in around an hour.
Survey respondents say looking at dream purchases makes it easier for them to be smart with their money (56%), avoid making unplanned purchases or going into debt (30%), and better plan to achieve their financial goals (25%). Nearly seven in 10 see dream scrolling as an investment in themselves (69%) and an outlet for them to envision what they want out of life (67%). Four in 10 respondents (42%) say they regularly spend time picturing their ideal retirement — including their retirement age, location, and monthly expenses.
Scrolling for the American dream: one in five .