Bochum – Three hours and 18 minutes a day – that’s the average time adults in Germany spend on social media. This is demonstrated by a study conducted by the University of Bochum. What is worrying is that researchers found “addictive use” in more than a quarter of those surveyed.
The researchers evaluated data from more than 22,000 adults surveyed between September 2024 and November 2025. The results: Almost all adults (more than 96 percent) are active on platforms like Instagram or TikTok – or use messaging services like WhatsApp.
Women are more often affected
On average, respondents spent three hours and 18 minutes on the platform each day, and women spent slightly more time there than men. Age also plays a big role: for those under 20, the time required is four hours a day, for those over 80, the time required is about two hours.
Julia Brailovskaia from the Center for Research and Treatment warns: “Addictive substance use” can affect daily life and mental health Health of those affected. The researcher explained that a questionnaire was used to find out whether this use occurred based on six characteristics. This includes physical or psychological anxiety when the platform is not used. Or the inability to reduce usage time.
Every second person under the age of 20 is affected
Conflicts with others resulting from excessive use also fall into this category – as does constant engagement with messengers and networks, both actively and in thought. This could happen, for example, if someone doesn’t have access to the platform at the moment, but is already planning in their head which photos they will upload later or which posts they will upload, explains Brailovskaia.
According to an internationally recognized scale, 27.6 percent of adults exhibit illicit drug use. Woman affected by this slightly more often, namely 29 percent Man with 25.4 percent. What’s especially worrying: According to the survey, this figure occurs in 51.3 percent of those under 20 years old, and almost 35 percent of those aged 20 to 39 years. Compared with the previous one Investigation There is a significant improvement, emphasizes the Bochum expert.
Less than 30 minutes will help
To avoid long-term negative consequences, the research team suggests a conscious and controlled reduction in time spent using, ideally with family, friends and coworkers. Cutting back half an hour every day can strengthen your soul. Experts recommend: do more exercise, play board games – and put your phone away before bed.
