Matthias Lehner

This systematic literature review assesses the current state of knowledge on how increased ICT use affects individual time-use patterns and the associated implications for lifestyle climate implications. While the environmental impacts of ICT have been widely debated in terms of direct energy consumption, there has been limited focus on the indirect time-use effects. The review draws on 101 articles selected from an initial set of 2402, with data coded in Nvivo and analysed across 25 thematic categories. Key findings are that increased ICT use has significant effects on mobility and housing-related time-use patterns, best documented for the case of teleworking. These changes have the potential to reduce carbon emissions in the short term, but might also entail a shift to more carbon-intensive practices in the long term. Additionally, screen time often displaces low-carbon activities such as sleep, physical activity, and socializing. The review concludes with recommendations for policymakers and future research, particularly into contextual moderating factors and underexplored areas.