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How many people are doing this right now?

Browse 101 transparent, local-time-aware estimates of what people around the world are doing right now. Every page explains its assumptions, uncertainty and sources.

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Showing all 101 estimates.

Daily Life

21 estimates

Brushing Their TeethAccess and habits vary globally.

CleaningHousehold and routine personal cleaning.

CookingHome and communal meal preparation.

Doing LaundryActive laundry time, not machine-only cycles.

Drinking CoffeeBroad adult consumption assumption.

Drinking TeaIncludes hot and iced tea.

Drinking WaterCounts short drinking moments across a day.

EatingPeople eating a meal or snack, weighted toward local meal times.

Grocery ShoppingFood and household essentials.

Listening To MusicIntentional listening across devices and places.

On A Phone CallVoice calls across mobile and fixed lines.

ReadingPrint and long-form digital reading.

Sending MessagesShort person-to-person digital messages.

ShoppingIn-person retail shopping.

ShoweringPeople taking a shower, weighted toward local morning and evening routines.

SleepingPeople likely to be asleep, with local night-time weighted across the world.

Taking A PhotoPhone and camera photographs.

Taking A SelfieA short self-portrait moment.

Taking A Work BreakShort breaks during work or study.

Using The ToiletShort daily visits averaged globally.

WorkingPaid and formal work, adjusted for local working hours and weekends.

Digital Life

18 estimates

Checking EmailReading and writing email.

GamingMobile, console and computer gaming combined.

Listening To A PodcastAudio and video podcast listening.

On A Video CallWork, study, family and social calls.

OnlinePeople likely to be actively using an internet-connected service.

Playing A Mobile GamePhone and tablet gaming.

Posting On Social MediaCreating a post, story or comment.

Reading The NewsNews across web, apps, print and television.

Scrolling Social MediaAcross major social feeds.

Shopping OnlineBrowsing or buying from online stores.

Streaming A MovieFeature-length films on streaming services.

Using A Dating AppAdults browsing or messaging on dating apps.

Using A Search EngineShort search sessions throughout the day.

Using An AI AssistantConsumer and workplace AI assistant sessions.

Watching ReelsShort-form viewing on Instagram Reels.

Watching TikTokShort-form viewing on TikTok.

Watching TV / StreamingPeople watching television, films or streaming video.

Watching YouTubeLong- and short-form YouTube viewing.

Health & Activity

17 estimates

At The DentistDental examinations and treatment.

Being BornAn estimate of births during a rolling minute.

Donating BloodDonation procedures worldwide.

Drinking AlcoholAdults consuming alcoholic drinks.

Drinking An Energy DrinkA broad adult and older-teen assumption.

Drinking SodaSugar-sweetened and diet soft drinks.

Dying This MinuteEstimated deaths during a rolling minute.

Eating Fast FoodQuick-service restaurant food.

ExercisingRunning, gym sessions, sports and other intentional exercise.

Experiencing A HeadacheBroad self-reported symptom assumption.

GamblingLotteries, betting, casinos and online gambling.

In A HospitalInpatient presence across a full day.

Seeing A DoctorOutpatient and primary-care encounters.

SmokingCigarette smoking moments; other tobacco varies.

Taking MedicinePrescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Undergoing SurgeryBroad global surgical-volume baseline.

VapingShort e-cigarette use moments.

Learning

10 estimates

Doing HomeworkSchool and university assignments.

In A ClassPrimary, secondary and higher education.

In A LibraryPublic, school and university libraries.

Learning A LanguageClasses, apps and independent practice.

Listening To A LectureIn-person and remote lectures.

StudyingSelf-directed and assigned study.

Taking An ExamWritten, oral and computer-based exams.

Taking An Online CourseStructured digital learning sessions.

TeachingTeachers and instructors actively teaching.

WritingWork, study and personal long-form writing.

Movement

17 estimates

CommutingWork and study journeys, weighted toward local rush hours.

CyclingTransport, leisure and sport cycling.

DancingSocial, performance, fitness and spontaneous dance.

Doing YogaStudio, home and outdoor yoga.

DrivingPeople currently driving cars, vans and other road vehicles.

FlyingCommercial air passengers estimated to be airborne at this moment.

HikingTrail walking and recreational hiking.

MeditatingFormal and app-guided meditation.

Playing BasketballOrganized and casual basketball.

Playing FootballAssociation football in organized and casual play.

Riding A BusUrban, school and intercity buses.

Riding A TrainMetro, commuter, regional and long-distance rail.

RunningOutdoor and treadmill running.

StretchingExercise, mobility and casual stretching.

SwimmingPools, open water and recreational swimming.

WalkingPurposeful walking and walks for leisure.

Working Out At A GymCommercial, community and workplace gyms.