How much time do we actually spend on the internet? A recent study on Germans' digital behavior provides answers.
Digital devices are increasingly shaping everyday life – the smartphone has long since become a constant companion. Whether on the bus or train, at work or in the café: for many people, being online is part of their routine. But while digital networking offers relief, the desire for some to be more active offline is increasing. In this context, a recent study is interesting, showing that many people want to consciously limit their screen time in order to make room for personal meetings and activities without the Internet.
As a current study commissioned by Postbank shows, the smartphone is the most frequently used device for internet use in our society. With a weekly usage time of 24 hours and a penetration of 86 percent, it dominates the online time of those surveyed. The laptop follows with 67 percent and 11.5 hours of weekly use. Desktop PCs and Smart TVs are used at just under 10 hours, while tablets are used less at 5.7 hours. There is a growing trend in intelligent voice assistants: 21 percent use this technology, and wearables such as smartwatches are also gaining popularity, especially among 18 to 39 year olds.
Digital Detox: Many people are striving for less time online
Despite the ubiquity of online options, the study shows that many people feel the need to voluntarily reduce their Internet use. 17 percent plan to be online less, and online shopping in particular should be reduced. The use of video telephony is often considered unnecessary. Compared to the previous year, however, it should be noted that the willingness to stream less has decreased: While 29 percent of survey participants wanted to reduce their streaming consumption in 2023, this year it is only 18 percent. However, the trend to reduce the use of social media remains stable: around 40 percent of those surveyed want to temporarily avoid using Facebook, Instagram and similar platforms.
Offline activities: Older users in particular want more freedom
The need for offline time is particularly pronounced among the older generation aged 40 and over. 45 percent of this group want to limit their Internet use in favor of other activities, compared to only 32 percent of younger people. Health reasons play an important role: around 34 percent of those surveyed stated that they wanted to avoid negative effects of the Internet on their health. Other motives include increasing the ability to concentrate and the desire to meet friends and family in person more often. The need for more independence from constant accessibility is also increasing, especially among older people.
Internet remains indispensable for flexibility in everyday life
However, for twelve percent of those surveyed, the Internet remains indispensable and they even want to increase their online time. The main reason for this is the flexibility that the Internet offers: more than half of this group appreciates being able to complete activities independently of fixed times. This applies especially to older users (58 percent), while 39 percent of younger users consider flexibility to be crucial. Another motive for increased use of the Internet is contact with people who are geographically far away.
Young people rely on smartphones and use the Internet intensively
There is also a clear trend towards intensive internet use among young people. The survey found that young people in Germany spend around 71.5 hours online per week, a slight increase compared to the previous year. This means that the downward trend that began after the corona pandemic has stopped for the time being. At 91 percent, the smartphone is the preferred device for internet access among young people, followed by tablets (49 percent) and laptops (44 percent).
Education on the Internet: Young people are increasingly using the Internet for school purposes
In addition to recreational use, the Internet is also becoming increasingly important for young people in a school context. The study shows an increase in online use for school purposes to currently an average of 4.6 hours per week. This is a significant increase compared to 2019 with 2.5 hours. Postbank attributes this trend to the positive effects of homeschooling and digital educational offerings that became visible during the pandemic.
From (fski/spot)
