Many young people in Germany struggle with problematic social media use, as highlighted by a recent study from DAK-Gesundheit health insurance. According to the findings, more than a quarter of children and adolescents engage with social media in ways that are risky or even pathological. The study indicates a troubling rise in addictive behaviors, with 21.5% of youths classified as risky users in the fall, showing a slight increase from earlier assessments in September and October 2024. In particular, the consumption of online videos has surged, with risky use jumping from 13.4% to 21.4% over the past year.

The study classifies 6.6% of youth as pathological users when it comes to social media, while 4% are deemed pathological in their use of videos. This alarming trend affects approximately 350,000 children and adolescents in Germany. The research is part of an ongoing series of studies that have been conducted since 2019, led in collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, focusing on the patterns and implications of media usage among the youth.

The increasing prevalence of social media addiction among young people raises questions about mental health and societal influences in contemporary Germany. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, the need for preventive measures and educational initiatives becomes more pressing, ensuring that young people engage with social media in a healthier manner. This study provides essential insights that could drive discussions on mental health and the responsibilities of social media platforms in fostering a safer online environment for the youth.