The average time spent by a person on social media varies depending on the platform, age group, and location. Here are some global averages based on recent studies:
*Global Average:*
- 2 hours and 25 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- 2 hours and 30 minutes per day (Source: Statista, 2022)
*Platform-specific averages:*
- Facebook: 38 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Instagram: 53 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Twitter: 26 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- TikTok: 52 minutes per day (Source: App Annie, 2022)
- YouTube: 1 hour and 12 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
*Age-group averages:*
- 16-24 years: 3 hours and 1 minute per day (Source: GlobalWebIndex, 2022)
- 25-34 years: 2 hours and 37 minutes per day (Source: GlobalWebIndex, 2022)
- 35-44 years: 2 hours and 14 minutes per day (Source: GlobalWebIndex, 2022)
- 45-54 years: 1 hour and 47 minutes per day (Source: GlobalWebIndex, 2022)
- 55-64 years: 1 hour and 22 minutes per day (Source: GlobalWebIndex, 2022)
*Regional averages:*
- North America: 2 hours and 12 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Europe: 1 hour and 57 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Asia-Pacific: 2 hours and 33 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Latin America: 2 hours and 46 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
- Africa: 2 hours and 14 minutes per day (Source: Hootsuite, 2022)
Keep in mind that these numbers are averages and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
In view of the foregoing; ensuring social media security is crucial to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts at a time when the cyberspace is awash with cyber criminals or those who seek to profit by merchandising your personal information to organizations looking to reach you with their goods or services.
Here are some important steps to help secure your social media profiles:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create a strong password for each social media account. Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn on two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. This requires you to enter a second code, often sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
3. Review Privacy Settings Regularly
Customize your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, profile information, and friend list.
Regularly check these settings as platforms may change their policies or features over time.
4. Be Cautious of Third-Party Apps
Limit the number of third-party apps that have access to your social media accounts.
Regularly review and revoke access for apps you no longer use or trust.
5. Avoid Phishing Attempts
Be wary of suspicious messages, emails, or links that ask for your login credentials.
Always verify the legitimacy of the sender before clicking on any links or downloading files.
6. Log Out of Shared Devices
Always log out from your social media accounts on shared or public devices to prevent unauthorized access.
7. Monitor Account Activity
Regularly check your account activity for any unusual behavior, such as logins from unknown devices or changes to your profile.
Most platforms provide activity logs, which can alert you to potential security issues.
8. Keep Software Updated
Ensure your social media apps and devices have the latest software updates, as these often contain security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
9. Use a Secure Connection
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to log into your social media accounts. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection.
10. Be Mindful of What You Share
Limit the amount of personal information you post online. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your address, phone number, or financial details, that could be exploited by hackers.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your social media accounts being compromised.