What Are the Top 10 Most Addictive Apps?
Last year, the ten most addictive apps predominantly included gaming apps. However, during the previous 12 months, an increase in the number of people downloading and using social media and networking apps have surged.
Once unheard of, social media apps have become an integral part of an individual’s everyday life. At the touch of a button, app users can view and discover what other individuals are doing throughout their day, see what celebrities are eating and send instant messages to those that live on the other side of the world.
Below, we have provided a list of the top 10 most addictive apps based on download figures and usage.
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Leading the list of the top 10 most addictive apps is WhatsApp. A messaging app that enables users to text, call, video message and share voice messages in real-time, WhatsApp was downloaded by approximately 96 million people in the last year alone.
In any given day, it is reported that 65 billion WhatsApp messages are sent, two billion minutes are spent making voice calls and approximately 55 million video calls are made. Irrespective of the platform used to open the app, it is estimated that the average user opens WhatsApp up to 25 times a day.
Facebook was created in 2004 and has since become the world’s most used social networking app. Unlike its competitors such as Myspace, Facebook has remained popular since launching.
While Facebook could originally only be accessed via the internet in its earlier days, Facebook’s mobile application was launched in 2008, just a year after the first Apple iPhone was sold. Since then, the app has accumulated over 4.6 billion downloads. Facebook users will spend roughly 43 minutes on Facebook each day, taking advantage of the platform to connect with friends, discover new products and watch videos.
Facebook Messenger
Another instant messaging platform, Facebook Messenger was launched in 2011 to provide Facebook users with another way to communicate in real-time with friends and family.
While not as popular as WhatsApp, over two million people take advantage of Facebook Messenger. Similarly to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger launched a desktop app for Windows and Mac users to make messaging and video messaging easier for users.
Each month, one billion users take to Instagram to share snippets of their lives with other users through the employment of images, videos, stories and reels. It is estimated that 63% of Instagram user’s login at least once a day, spending approximately 28 minutes using the app. An additional 42% of Instagram users open the app to check for updates several times a day.
Snapchat
Released in 2011 as a mobile-only app, Snapchat has provided individuals across the world with yet another way to share images, videos and messages in real-time.
Yet to reach its tenth birthday, the app has become one of the most widely used apps, with individuals over the age of 16 spending an increasing amount of time sharing and viewing content. As of 2020, the app has accumulated approximately 249 million users that spend an average of 30 minutes on the app each day.
Gmail
With 75% of Gmail users accessing their emails via their mobile, it comes as no surprise that the Gmail App has become one of the most addictive apps in recent years. Currently ranked as the number one app for productivity, the free app has been downloaded by more than one billion individuals for professional and personal purposes.
YouTube
Video content has recently become increasingly popular, with people of all ages turning to YouTube as a form of entertainment. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that YouTube is classed as one of the most addictive apps.
From music videos to vlogs, YouTube’s mobile app has transformed how users watch and interact with video content. It is reported that mobile video views have increased over the last year, with over 70% of YouTube views obtained via the mobile app.
TikTok
A relatively new phenomenon that has captured the interest of consumers between the ages of 16 – 24, TikTok saw over 115 million downloads in March 2020 alone. More recently, statistics reveal that the app, which is available for download via android and iOS, has secured over 2 billion downloads.
Although TikTok is not opened as frequently as the likes of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, the average user spends 45 mins a day viewing the plethora of viral videos on the app, with many even attempting to recreate and share with their friends.
Zoom
Another popular app, Zoom has enhanced the way that individuals can communicate with others by providing a virtual location for people to meet.
Employed for both professional and personal purposes, Zoom has recently become one of the most downloaded apps. In fact, Zoom is the leading app when it comes to video calling, with over 300 million virtual meetings held each month.
The Downside of Addictive Apps
Although social media and networking apps provide users with a wealth of benefits, overuse of apps can have negative repercussions. While many fail to realise it, internet addiction can arise from overusing applications. As users reach for their devices to read messages, scroll Instagram or view emails, it becomes increasingly difficult to limit the amount of time spent on the internet.
Social media apps can also have a detrimental impact on a user’s mental health. Various studies have concluded that social media can increase the risk of suffering from depression, anxiety and loneliness. Inaccurate representations of an individual’s life can additionally leave others feeling somewhat inadequate.
Reach Out to Asana Lodge
If you have unfortunately come to realise that you have an internet addiction disorder, at Asana Lodge, we are here to support you.
Likewise, if you find yourself suffering from a mental health disorder, our team of professionals are on hand to help you overcome pessimistic thoughts and live a happier, healthier life.
