A growing unease regarding social media dependency is emerging among German youth, according to the 2025 Youth Digital Study released this week by Postbank. The study, based on a September survey of 1,000 individuals aged 16-18, reveals a significant shift in perceptions and usage patterns, raising questions about the long-term societal impact of pervasive digital platforms.
The study highlights a concerning trend: three-quarters of 16-18 year olds report witnessing friends displaying characteristics indicative of social media addiction. Strikingly, young women demonstrate a considerably greater awareness of this issue, with 82% identifying the risk compared to 68% among young men. This gender disparity suggests a potential divergence in lived experiences and coping mechanisms within the digital landscape, warranting further investigation.
While Instagram and YouTube retain their positions as the most popular platforms – with 68% usage each – all leading social media channels are experiencing a notable decline in reach. The most precipitous drop has been observed in WhatsApp usage, plummeting from 86% to 65% over the past five years. This erosion in popularity could point to a growing disillusionment with established platforms, potentially driven by privacy concerns, algorithm fatigue, or a search for more authentic online interactions.
The study also reveals that personal expression remains a dominant theme on social media, with nearly half of respondents expressing acceptance of occasional venting and displays of negative emotions. While this reflects a desire for genuine connection, critics argue it may contribute to an environment of performative grievance and online toxicity.
Furthermore, the study indicates social media’s evolving role as a commercial marketplace. Nearly half of those surveyed have made at least one purchase directly through a social media platform, with young men exhibiting a stronger inclination towards this “social shopping” trend. This blurring of lines between social connection and consumerism raises questions about the ethical implications of platform-driven purchasing behavior and the potential for targeted manipulation.
The Postbank Youth Digital Study, now in its sixth year, provides a valuable longitudinal perspective on the evolving digital habits of German youth. However, the demonstrated anxieties surrounding social media addiction and the concerning rise of commercialized online spaces suggest that policymakers and educators must engage in robust discussions regarding digital literacy, responsible platform design and the safeguarding of young people’s mental wellbeing in the digital age. The trends observed in this study have broader implications, potentially signalling a changing relationship with technology across developed nations.