Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Problematic Social Media Use Among Teens

Over 25% of German adolescents show risky or addictive social media behavior, with significant increases since 2019.

A new DAK study finds that 25.3% of 10- to 17-year-olds in Germany exhibit problematic social media use, with 4.7% classified as addicted.
Problematic social media usage has increased by 126% since 2019, highlighting a concerning post-pandemic trend.
Boys are almost twice as likely as girls to develop social media addiction, with 6% of boys and 3.2% of girls affected.
Excessive media consumption is linked to negative outcomes such as school performance declines, social isolation, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
Experts call for stronger parental guidance, early intervention in schools, and the introduction of a health-focused curriculum to address media addiction.