The proliferation of digital technologies has transformed human interaction, learning, and entertainment, leading to unprecedented levels of screen exposure across global populations. Over the past decade, daily screen time has increased dramatically, with global averages for adolescents reaching approximately 7.0 hours per day and adult users averaging 5.5 hours per day. This review systematically examines trends in screen usage across countries, including India, the United States, China, South Korea, and European nations, highlighting disparities between urban and rural regions, and variations among different age groups and genders. The study identifies technological, socio-economic, and psychological drivers of screen engagement, such as affordable smartphones, high-speed internet, streaming platforms, online education, remote work, and algorithm-driven content recommendation systems, which collectively contribute to escalating screen exposure. The paper further explores the multidimensional health and behavioral consequences of prolonged screen use, including physical effects (obesity, sedentary lifestyle, musculoskeletal strain, and digital eye fatigue), mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, stress, and digital dependency), sleep disturbances (insomnia, circadian rhythm disruption), cognitive impacts (reduced attention span, impaired memory, and academic decline), and social repercussions (reduced interpersonal interaction, lifestyle imbalance, and cyberbullying). Gender-specific patterns are also discussed, revealing higher engagement with gaming and streaming among males and increased social networking and messaging among females. This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies that integrate individual self-regulation, family-level interventions, educational programs, and policy-level guidelines. Key approaches include digital detox, scheduled device usage, parental control mechanisms, digital literacy education, and age-specific public awareness campaigns. Finally, research gaps are identified in longitudinal studies, AI-driven behavioral analyses, cross-cultural behavioral comparisons, and long-term neurological outcomes, suggesting directions for future investigation. By synthesizing global trends, health consequences, and preventive strategies, this paper provides a framework for promoting balanced and responsible digital engagement, ensuring that technological advancements enhance human well-being while minimizing associated risks.

Keywords: Screen Time, Digital Exposure, Smartphone Usage, Digital Addiction, Mental Health, Sedentary Behavior, Public Health, Digital Wellbeing, prevention strategies