German Citizens Express Concerns over Online Activities
A recent international survey commissioned by consulting firm EY and reported by the Funke media group has shed light on global trends in internet usage and the growing practice of self-prescribed internet breaks, with a specific focus on Germany.
The survey reveals that **internet usage is on the rise** globally, driven by the increasing integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across various sectors. This reflects a broader digital transformation trend.
However, the survey also indicates a growing awareness of the need for self-prescribed internet breaks or digital detoxes as people seek to balance the benefits of connectivity with mental health considerations. This trend is particularly prevalent in Germany, where **one in two (51%) Germans prescribe themselves internet breaks**.
Compared to other countries surveyed, **Germans are less concerned about their internet usage**, with a global average of 38%, while users in Sweden (28%) are the least concerned. In contrast, **44% of residents in Italy, 42% in Spain, and 44% in Canada question their online usage behavior's impact on their health**.
The survey did not provide specific details about the methods used, the margin of error, or the demographics of the participants. It also did not offer comparisons between the concerns about internet usage in Italy, Spain, and Canada and other countries in the survey.
Despite this, the survey results suggest that Germany's approach to internet use is somewhat more moderated and health-conscious relative to the global average, where the trend is more toward continuous online engagement with a nascent but growing interest in breaks and digital detox strategies.
In Germany, cultural factors emphasizing work-life balance and digital well-being appear to influence the adoption of these breaks. For instance, **more than one-third (35%) of Germans prefer watching short internet videos over meeting friends**.
The survey results were weighted accordingly and involved 20,000 people worldwide, with 1,000 participants from Germany. Olaf Riedel, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at EY-Parthenon, stated that users are more conscious about their internet usage than they were a few years ago.
In conclusion, the EY survey reveals that globally, internet use is growing significantly, but the practice of intentional internet breaks to manage well-being is more established and culturally ingrained in Germany compared to many other countries, where such habits are only beginning to gain traction. This reflects broader digital health trends and the balance between connectivity and mental wellness.
The survey shows a significant increase in global internet usage, attributed to the integration of technologies like AI and machine learning. Intriguingly, Germany stands out as a country where more than half (51%) of the population deliberately takes internet breaks for mental health reasons, indicating a health-and-wellness focus on this practice. Additionally, the survey highlights the growing awareness of the impact of internet usage on mental health across different countries, with higher concerns, for instance, in Italy (44%), Spain (42%), and Canada (44%), compared to lower concerns in Germany and Sweden.
