The data shows that the amount of "screen time" the average American devotes to television continues to increase, reaching 127 hours and 15 minutes per month, the highest level ever. The increase in time spent on television screens comes as people are devoting more time to other screens: 26 hours and 26 minutes per month on Internet connected screens (up 9% from last year); and three hours and 15 minutes per month watching video on their cell phone screens.

The figures, which are averages per month among people who utilize these platforms, also found that the time people spend accessing video programming on Internet connected screens now averages two hours and 19 minutes per month.

"Web video is changing the definition of the Internet for those under the age of 24," states John Burbank, chief marketing officer of Nielsen Co., as part of Nielsen's analysis of the new data. "Those under 24 use the Internet less than older users but spend a greater percent of time viewing video. For instance, children 2-11 spend relatively little time on the Internet - just 4:58 vs. 38:47 for adults 35-44. But much more of their time is likely spent watching video than checking email or traditional websites."

Source: The Nielsen Company