The growing addiction to social media is a key threat to the nation’s health, according to the 2016 Healthy Living Index Survey.

More than half (52%) of the adults surveyed by life and health insurer AIA agree social networking and spending time online is becoming addictive for them.

The survey spoke to 10,245 people across Australia asking them about their dietary habits, sleep patterns, frequency of exercise and what they thought were the key drivers to healthier living.

The number who think social media is addictive is 7% higher than the last survey in 2013.

The number of people saying it’s hard to break the habit of spending too much time in front of screens has increased from 56% in 2013 to 61% in the current report.

Some 85% of respondents admit they often eat while distracted by screens, and 55% believe that spending too much time online prevents them from getting enough exercise.

AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu says the research shows modern lifestyles can be a serious threat to Australians’ health.

“Issues such as technology are both a health threat and opportunity,” he said. “While those surveyed reported spending excessive time online is affecting their health, 56% also said that they rely on the internet for information and advice on healthy foods.

“And 46% of us are also using the internet or mobile phones to keep track of physical activity and to stay motivated to exercise.”

The survey finds 82% of those who own a health-monitoring device wear it all or most of the time.

Asked to name the drivers of a healthy lifestyle, respondents ranked sufficient sleep, healthy eating and regular exercise as the most important.

But there is also recognition of the importance of psychological aspects such as work-life balance and a happy frame of mind.