A new study suggests that Canadians are spending so much time connected to the internet that the average person is now on track to spend more than a quarter-century of their life online.
According to the research, Canadians spend an average of 50 hours each week using the internet. Based on Canada’s average life expectancy of 83 years, this translates into approximately 25 years, two months, and 11 days spent online over a lifetime.
While many might assume that social media is the biggest consumer of online time, the study found that entertainment activities account for the largest share of Canadians’ digital lives. Streaming television shows and movies emerged as the most time-consuming online activity, surpassing social media, music streaming, and video viewing.
On average, Canadians spend more than six hours each week watching television programs and movies online. Watching online videos ranks second, followed closely by listening to music. Social media scrolling, although still significant, occupies less time than all three of these entertainment activities.
The research also found that internet use has become deeply integrated into daily routines. Many Canadians begin their online activities around 7 a.m. and remain connected until approximately 10 p.m., using digital platforms for work, communication, entertainment, shopping, banking, and information gathering.
Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming part of Canadians’ online habits, although its use remains relatively modest. The average Canadian currently spends about 37 minutes per week interacting with AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. Experts suggest this figure may increase significantly in the coming years as AI becomes more deeply embedded into websites, applications, search engines, and everyday digital services.
Beyond the amount of time spent online, the study also highlights growing concerns about privacy and data security. Canadians are routinely sharing personal information across digital platforms, often without fully understanding how that information may be used. The research found that nearly three-quarters of Canadians have shared their full name online, while a majority have also provided their birth date and home address through various online services and applications.
Technology experts warn that as digital platforms become increasingly intertwined with daily life, Canadians need to pay greater attention to cybersecurity and privacy protection. Strong passwords remain important, but understanding how personal information is collected, stored, and used is becoming equally critical.
The findings illustrate how dramatically internet use has evolved from a convenience to an essential part of modern life. Whether for entertainment, communication, work, or accessing services, Canadians are spending more time online than ever before. As digital technologies continue to expand and artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday experiences, experts believe the amount of time people spend connected may continue to grow, making online safety and digital awareness increasingly important for all Canadians.