Nine out of Ten French People Use Another Screen While Watching TV: The Rise of Multi-Screen Living Rooms in 2025

Nine out of ten French people now use at least one additional screen while watching TV, with nearly a third juggling two or more devices simultaneously. This multi-screen trend is changing how French households experience television and interact in their living rooms

In 2025, the vast majority of French people—about 90%—use at least one other screen in addition to their television when watching TV. These secondary devices include smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Moreover, nearly one-third of viewers actively juggle two or more screens simultaneously. This pattern is transforming the traditional role of the TV viewing experience into a multi-device activity.

Television Remains Central but Not Alone

Although television holds a central place in French households—still considered indispensable by around 78% of people—it is no longer the sole focus during viewing sessions. The TV remains the main screen for watching movies, series, and major events but is increasingly accompanied by activities on other devices. This split attention requires broadcasters and advertisers to rethink how they capture and maintain audience engagement across several platforms.

What French People Do with Multiple Screens

The use of multiple screens during TV viewing includes:

Checking social media or messaging while programs air
Seeking additional information such as cast details, news updates, sports results, or product research
Playing games, shopping online, or watching videos on a secondary device

This behavior turns the living room into a digital hub where simultaneous activities are the norm, limiting moments dedicated solely to non-digital activities like reading or conversation.

Living Room as a Connected Hub

The French living room is increasingly a space designed around connected experiences. Many expressed interest in “connected furniture,” such as sofas with USB ports and charging stations, to support their digital multitasking habits. The couch is no longer just for comfort but a technological centerpiece supporting a variety of interactive devices.

Implications for Attention and Wellbeing

This persistent multi-screen engagement raises concerns about attention span, memory retention, and social interaction quality. Mental health experts suggest that while screens enrich experiences, it is beneficial to include regular breaks and establish screen-free times to maintain wellbeing. This shift also challenges content creators to capture fragmented attention in an ever more complex digital environment.

This growing multi-screen trend highlights a fundamental shift in how French audiences consume television and digital content, blending traditional viewing with new digital behaviors that redefine leisure and connection in the home.