Germans express concern over their online activities, with approximately one-third expressing anxiety about their internet usage.
In a groundbreaking survey commissioned by EY and reported by the Funke newspapers, it has been revealed that the global trend in internet usage is increasingly favouring short internet videos. The survey, which included 20,000 participants worldwide, with 1,000 from Germany, sheds light on this growing trend and the emerging culture of self-prescribed internet breaks.
As of mid-2025, the global online population reached 5.65 billion, representing a 68.7% penetration. This steady growth, despite some regions lagging behind, has been accompanied by a dramatic surge in internet speeds. Median mobile speeds have grown by 68.6% over the past year, enabling more seamless video streaming experiences and contributing to skyrocketing data consumption, with over 170 billion GB per month being consumed on smartphones alone.
Mobile phones account for 63% of global web traffic and are used by 95.9% of internet users at least some of the time, facilitating the consumption of short videos and media content on the go.
The survey also highlights the rising issue of internet addiction, estimated to afflict about 21.8% of users worldwide in moderate to severe forms in 2025. Commonly, users report compulsive scrolling through social media and short video apps, with an average screen time exceeding 7.6 hours daily in some regions, and social media alone accounting for nearly 2.8 hours.
To combat this growing issue, many users are consciously self-regulating by taking internet breaks. About 57% of individuals seeking help for internet addiction also report anxiety or depression, underlining the significance of managing online time.
Interestingly, the percentage of Germans who prescribe internet breaks is higher than the international average, with one in two Germans (51%) taking such breaks. However, the survey did not provide information on whether the percentage of Germans who feel overwhelmed by the internet has increased or decreased compared to a few years ago.
Olaf Riedel, Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications at EY-Parthenon, stated that users are more conscious about their internet usage than a few years ago, suggesting a growing concern among users about the impact of the internet on their lives. He also mentioned that many users feel overwhelmed by the volume of internet options and are not satisfied with the time they spend online.
In Italy, Spain, and Canada, more residents question their online usage behavior's impact on their health, with 44%, 42%, and 42% respectively expressing concern. Germans are less concerned, with a global average of 38%. Swedes are the least concerned, with only 28% expressing worry.
The survey results were weighted according to the number of participants from each country. The highest percentage of people prescribing internet breaks is in Canada (54%) and the USA (53%). More than one-third of Germans (35%) prefer watching short internet videos over meeting friends.
The flood of internet offers is increasingly perceived as a burden by users, according to Riedel. The survey did not specifically address the percentage of users who perceive the flood of internet offers as a burden, but Riedel's statement suggests that this may be a common feeling.
The survey focused on people's attitudes towards their internet usage and its impact on their health. It did not provide information on whether the percentage of users who perceive the flood of internet offers as a burden has increased or decreased compared to a few years ago.
In conclusion, the dominant pattern shows a shift towards short video consumption facilitated by fast, mobile internet access, paired with an emerging culture of self-prescribed breaks and digital well-being efforts to counteract growing internet addiction globally. This trend reflects both technological advances and increasing public health awareness.
- As concerns about the impact of the internet on mental health grow, many people are turning to short science and health-and-wellness videos for quick learning and stress relief, finding solace in managing their time effectively.
- The increasing popularity of internet breaks among Germans, especially given the rising issue of internet addiction, highlights the importance of integrating mental health considerations into the development of digital content for a more balanced online experience.
