A new global survey reveals that millions of people, including many Europeans, are spending most of their time online.
The Pew Research Center study, covering 24 countries, found that a median of 28 per cent of people are “almost constantly” online. This figure highlights a growing global trend, raising alarms about screen addiction and its social consequences.
Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Italy recorded the highest levels of constant internet use in Europe. Over 90 per cent of their populations have home broadband access, helping drive these numbers.
Hungary stood out for a different reason. Twelve per cent of respondents there reported not using the internet at all, the highest figure among European countries surveyed. However, this remains lower than in Kenya and India, where up to 36 per cent said they do not go online regularly.
Japan topped the list globally, with 56 per cent of people almost always online, followed by South Korea at 49 per cent. Nigeria (13 per cent) and Greece (14 per cent) showed the lowest shares of near-constant use.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen recently compared social media’s dangers for young people to alcohol and drugs. She urged tighter rules on tech platforms and called for restrictions in schools.
Dozens of school systems worldwide had banned smartphones by late 2024, according to UNESCO, as concerns grow about children’s wellbeing.
