Australians spend far more time online these days, with social networks using up a lot of those hours. Scanning through reels, reaching out daily to followers, or taking part in group discussions, all have become important parts of daily living today. A report published in early 2024 and 2025 indicates that the average Australian spends 1 hour and 51 minutes using social platforms daily. On average, that’s 13 hours a week spent on social media, which is roughly like having a part-time job that only requires scrolling.

It’s clear why Australians are found on a range of social networking sites. Most of them usually use six to seven social media apps, going back and forth on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. TikTok has the highest engagement rate in Australia, with people spending 38 hours on the app every month. That is compared to YouTube’s 21 hours and Facebook’s 20 hours and 15 minutes each month.

The internet is very important to Australians because it gives them entertainment, helpful info, convenient services, and leisure activities.

The rise in screen time goes well beyond connecting on social platforms. Many Australians rely on the internet throughout their day-to-day lives. Finding and seeing news quickly is one of the biggest uses. 91% of Australian adults who use the internet look online to learn about recent happenings. This consists of popular news sites, online publications, and lately, social media, where people mix their thoughts with current news updates.

Online shopping makes up another important activity. The majority of Australians, or about 85% of them, do their shopping online since the eCommerce industry has grown so much. More and more Australians are shopping around online for goods of all kinds and making use of cashback and loyalty programs.

Gaming plays a prominent role as well. About 38% of Australians engage in some form of online gaming. This includes casual mobile games, immersive multiplayer environments, and virtual slot machines. In fact, the growing interest in digital entertainment has led to a rise in online casino participation. As part of that trend, more Australians are learning how to play Australian online pokies, seeking convenient ways to enjoy classic games in a virtual format. These modern pokies are now easily accessible via smartphones and tablets, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional machines simply can’t match.

A recent survey shows that 32% of Australians above 18 years have taken part in online gambling. Most online gamblers regularly choose to play lottery tickets, while sports betting and playing casino-style games come second and third. Many people love pokies, partly because they’re nostalgic and easy to use over the internet.

Since online pokies are simple to use, more and more Australians now include them in their regular online entertainment, whether at work or at home.

Streaming has gained a lot of popularity these days. Nearly 16 million Australians, or 77% of those older than 14, access the internet to be entertained, and video content is in first place. There is a lot of attention on YouTube each day, and Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ receive most of the action when it comes to in-depth watching. Because almost 10 million Australians are paying for major streaming subscriptions, the transition from traditional TV viewing to streaming online is happening rapidly.

Besides providing entertainment, social media also helps people stay in contact with friends, learn about what’s happening globally, watch the lives of celebrities, and find trending topics. 78% of the population has active social media accounts.

About 32% of Australians upload photos to platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, while others create videos, write blog posts, or share curated playlists.

The growing appetite for digital engagement also extends to audio content. Podcasts, in particular, have seen a spike in popularity. Around 81% of Australians report listening to audio content online, whether it's news analysis, comedy shows, or in-depth discussions on niche topics.

Remote work and education have further pushed online activity into new territories. Many Australians now rely on digital platforms for video conferencing, project management, and virtual classrooms. The pandemic may have accelerated this trend, but its persistence suggests a permanent shift in how people approach their work and study routines.

Social media, while significant, is just one piece of the puzzle. The full picture includes staying informed, being entertained, managing daily tasks, and seeking out interactive experiences.

As connectivity becomes more seamless and digital tools more powerful, Australians are likely to deepen their engagement with online platforms across all areas of life. Whether that means streaming a new show, chatting with friends, playing a game, or learning how to play pokies, the screen time clock is only ticking upward.