Frederick, Md. – September 23, 2026 -- A new survey from NaturaLawn of America finds that 78% of American adults feel guilty choosing screen time over time outdoors, even as 76% say they feel the need to disconnect at least once a week.
The survey, fielded August 22-23, 2026 among 1,137 U.S. residents ages 18-61 with a margin of error of +/- 2.964%, found that roughly three in four adults recognize the phrase "touch grass." Among those who know it, 83.2% have used it themselves, most often to mean unplugging from technology (54%) or getting outside (52%). Only about one in four use it literally.
Intentions don't match behavior over the past month
Despite widespread guilt over screen use, more than a third of respondents managed just 20 screen-free minutes outdoors on two or fewer days over the past month. One in nine managed zero such days.
"The phrase 'touch grass' may have started on the internet, but the screen fatigue behind it is very real," said Theresa Smith, SVP for NaturaLawn of America. "There's a clear desire to break free from screens, but intention alone isn't getting people outdoors."
Bugs and comfort outrank a green lawn as motivators
Asked what would actually get them outside more, 34% of adults cited fewer bugs, 33% wanted a more comfortable space to sit, and 19.4% pointed to a healthy green lawn.
Parents are recreating their own childhood memories outdoors
83.2% of adults say they spent unstructured time outside several times a week as children, and 92.4% agree kids today get less outdoor time than past generations. Parents blame screens directly, with 34.5% citing video games and 31.4% citing social media as the biggest barrier.
Nearly eight in 10 parents are now recreating their own outdoor childhood experiences, including classic games like tag or hide-and-seek (38.8%), casual sports (34.7%), and watching sunsets or stargazing (29.8%).
Two in three parents worry about lawn chemicals near kids
Two in three parents expressed concern about exposing children to traditional lawn chemicals and pesticides when letting them play barefoot or lie in the grass. As a result, 75.2% said they are more likely to let their kids play in a yard maintained with organic-based practices.
"For today's parents, 'touch grass' speaks directly to our efforts to raise a healthier, more grounded generation," Smith said. "An organic-based, worry-free yard gives parents the peace of mind to let those healthy habits take root."