Plugged In: How Millennials and Gen Z Really Use Tech in 2025

In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s nearly impossible to go a day without interacting with a digital device. From scrolling through social media on our commute to checking emails before we’re even out of bed, technology has become deeply woven into our daily routines.

It helps us stay connected to loved ones, fuels inspiration, and makes learning and opportunities more accessible than ever. But it also brings constant notifications, shorter attention spans, and a growing pressure to always be “on.” Our relationship with technology is complex; it’s both empowering and overwhelming.

To better understand how this plays out across different generations, we conducted a survey with our Test Pilots to explore how people engage with technology and social media; from morning habits to preferred communication styles. We also looked at how tech impacts our relationships, and how people are (or aren’t) setting boundaries with their screen time.

The results reveal how modern technology shapes our lives in both expected and surprising ways. From the platforms we can’t live without to the moments we wish we could disconnect, the data paints a revealing picture and shows how many of us are searching for a better balance.

Who's Tapping In?

The majority of our survey respondents are Millennials, making up 54% of the sample, followed by Gen Z at 31%. Both generations have grown up with rapid digital advancements, which is reflected in their daily tech habits.

When it comes to starting the day, 54% of participants check their phones immediately upon waking up, making it the first thing they do in the morning. Only a small fraction, just 4%, take a more mindful approach by keeping their devices in another room overnight.

Daily Life, Digital First

Digital devices have become constant companions throughout our daily routines. During commutes, 44% of respondents rely on music or podcasts to pass the time, while 29% primarily use their devices for navigation.

When standing in line, whether for coffee or at the grocery store, 44% choose to scroll through social media to occupy themselves. In contrast, only 4% opt to play games or watch videos during these moments.

Interestingly, dinner time presents a more mixed picture. While 58% of respondents make a conscious effort not to use devices while eating, 31% admit to watching TV or YouTube during their meals. Among Gen Z specifically, this split is even more pronounced, with some fully tuning in to videos during dinner and others putting their phones aside to be present.

How We Talk (and Post)

Communication habits reflect a blend of preference and practicality. Social media use shows a similar mix of behaviours. Nearly half of respondents, 46%, post occasionally, striking a balance between sharing and observing. Meanwhile, 27% either post regularly or prefer to silently scroll through their feeds without contributing content themselves.

When it comes to platforms, Instagram is the most popular, with 28% choosing it as their go-to app, followed by YouTube at 21%. TikTok, while still significant, trails slightly behind at 15%. Gen Z users also include WhatsApp in their regular rotation for staying in touch, and their favourite content spans memes, fitness and health tips, and updates from friends and family.

“Technology seems to more and more run our lives, instead of just enhancing our lives. I would try to get a better balance in that regard.”

Tech & Connection: Love/Hate Vibes

Our relationship with technology is layered and often contradictory. On one hand, 39% of respondents feel that technology has helped them feel more connected to others. On the other, 36% admit that it’s frustrating when people around them overuse their devices in social settings, such as during meals or conversations.

Additionally, 18% say they feel pressured to respond to messages instantly, highlighting the stress that can come from always being available. For Gen Z, the connection is even deeper, as many describe their smartphone as an extension of themselves, reinforcing just how integrated these devices have become in shaping identity and communication.

“I spend too much time on my device doing unproductive things. If I could only devote that time to productive activity (learning, working, improving, etc) then I would be in a much stronger position to reach my life goals.”

Screen Time & Boundaries (Or Lack Thereof)

While awareness of screen time is rising, self-regulation still seems to be a challenge. According to the data, 46% of respondents don’t use any screen time limits at all. Another 15% say they’ve set screen time boundaries but often ignore them.

A notable (but perhaps not surprising) finding is that 50% of people always bring their phone with them to the bathroom.

It’s another indication of how ever-present our devices have become, even during the most mundane parts of our day.

For Gen Z, there’s growing recognition of the need for balance. Many want technology to be more user-friendly for children and express a desire for better tools to help manage digital boundaries more effectively.

Devices We Can't Live Without

When asked which devices they use most often, smartphones took the top spot, with 36% of respondents listing them as their primary tech tool. Laptops came in second at 18%, while smart TVs followed with 11%. Gaming consoles and tablets were nearly tied, each accounting for around 10% of device preferences.

Gen Z, in particular, uses their smartphones for nearly every aspect of daily life. They rely on them for listening to music, navigating their commutes, checking the news, and staying connected on social media. While they tend to scroll through Instagram or TikTok while waiting in lines, many consciously choose to engage with friends without devices when spending time together. Their dinner-time habits are split, with some watching videos while eating and others preferring screen-free meals.

Communication methods for Gen Z vary depending on the situation, but texting remains a strong favorite, alongside occasional phone calls and voice notes. And yes, Gen Z overwhelmingly uses their phones in the bathroom, just like the rest of us.

“I wish I knew how to use tech more to my advantage.”

Final Thoughts: Always On, Still Searching for Balance

While it's tempting to assume Millennials and Gen Z are permanently glued to their phones, the reality is more complex. These generations are digitally fluent and use tech for nearly every part of their lives, but they’re also increasingly aware of its downsides.

There’s a clear desire for balance, whether it’s putting down devices at dinner or resisting the pressure to be constantly available. As both generations continue to navigate life in a connected world, they’re not just consuming tech. They’re shaping the norms around how it fits into daily life.

So, whether you're the type to check your phone before your feet hit the floor or someone trying to reclaim dinner time from YouTube, one thing is clear: tech isn’t going anywhere, but how we use it is ever-evolving.

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These insights come from our incredible community of Test Pilots - a dedicated group who take part in surveys, interviews, focus groups, and product testing to help shape the products we create.

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