Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, UK study finds

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"Survey Reveals Nearly Half of Young People Prefer Life Without Internet"

Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, UK study finds analysis cover image The Guardian 7.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/20/almost-half-of-young-people-would-prefer-a-world-without-internet-uk-study-finds
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TruthLens AI Summary

A recent survey conducted by the British Standards Institution has revealed that nearly half of young people in the UK would prefer to live in a world without the internet. The survey, which included 1,293 respondents aged between 16 and 21, highlighted significant concerns regarding the impact of social media on mental health. Approximately 70% of participants reported feeling worse about themselves after engaging with social media platforms. Additionally, half of those surveyed expressed support for a proposed 'digital curfew' that would limit access to certain applications after 10 PM. The findings indicate a growing discontent among youth regarding their online experiences, with a quarter of respondents admitting to spending four or more hours a day on social media. Furthermore, the survey exposed a troubling trend of dishonesty among young users, as 42% admitted to lying about their age online, while 40% reported creating decoy accounts to navigate the digital landscape more safely.

The concerns raised in the survey come in the wake of discussions by the UK government about the potential implementation of mandatory cut-off times for popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. Rani Govender, the policy manager for child safety online at the NSPCC, emphasized that while digital curfews could help, they are not a comprehensive solution for protecting children from online dangers. Govender urged for a broader approach that includes making online environments safer and less addictive. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for new regulations that prioritize the safety of children over the interests of large tech companies. The survey findings suggest a critical need for action to address the mental health challenges associated with social media use among young people, as well as a call for tech companies to take responsibility in safeguarding their users from harmful content.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The survey revealing that nearly half of young people would prefer a life without the internet raises important questions about the impact of digital technology on youth. This research highlights significant concerns regarding mental health and online behavior among young individuals, prompting a discussion about the potential need for regulatory measures.

Youth Mental Health and Social Media Impact

The findings indicate that a substantial majority of respondents feel worse about themselves after using social media, suggesting a troubling correlation between online engagement and self-esteem. With 68% acknowledging that their online time is harmful to their mental health, the survey sheds light on the psychological toll that digital platforms can exert on young individuals. The trend towards desiring a “digital curfew” reflects a growing awareness of these issues and a potential push for healthier online habits.

Digital Curfews: A Proposed Solution

The notion of implementing digital curfews is presented as a possible solution to mitigate the negative effects of social media. However, experts like Rani Govender emphasize that such measures alone will not suffice to protect children from online risks. This highlights a critical gap in the discourse, as simply restricting access does not address the underlying issues of exposure to harmful content or the addictive nature of many platforms.

Parental Relationships and Online Deception

The survey also reveals concerning behaviors among young people, with a significant percentage admitting to lying about their online activities. This raises questions about trust and communication within families, suggesting that the digital divide extends into personal relationships. The findings indicate a need for more robust discussions between parents and children regarding online safety and responsible internet use.

Government and Corporate Responsibility

The potential involvement of government officials in regulating online platforms signals a shift towards increased accountability for tech companies. The mention of the technology secretary’s hints at mandatory cut-off times points to a broader recognition of the need to foster safer online environments. It suggests that both governmental and corporate entities may need to collaborate to create solutions that prioritize young people's safety without infringing on their digital freedoms.

Public Sentiment and Future Implications

The survey results could provoke public debate about the role of the internet in daily life, potentially leading to shifts in policy and social norms regarding technology use. As more young people express a desire for a less connected world, there may be a growing movement advocating for digital wellness initiatives. This could influence various sectors, from education to technology, as stakeholders respond to changing attitudes towards the internet.

The article presents credible data from a survey conducted by the British Standards Institution, but it also reflects selective emphasis on the negative aspects of digital life. While it raises valid concerns, it may inadvertently contribute to a narrative that oversimplifies the complexities of technology use among youth.

In conclusion, while the findings are based on legitimate research, the portrayal of the internet's impact might evoke alarm rather than a balanced understanding of its multifaceted role in modern life. The discourse surrounding digital engagement and mental health is crucial, but it should incorporate a nuanced view that recognizes both the benefits and drawbacks of connectivity.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/20/almost-half-of-young-people-would-prefer-a-world-without-internet-uk-study-finds

Almost half of young people would rather live in a world where the internet does not exist, according to a new survey.

The research reveals that nearly 70% of 16- to 21-year-olds feel worse about themselves after spending time on social media. Half (50%) would support a “digital curfew” that would restrict their access to certain apps and sites past 10pm, while 46% said they would rather be young in a world without the internet altogether.

A quarter of respondents spent four or more hours a day on social media, while 42% of those surveyed admitted to lying to their parents and guardians about what they do online.

While online, 42% said they had lied about their age, 40% admitted to having a decoy or “burner” account, and 27% said they pretended to be a different person completely.

The results came after the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, hinted that the government wasweighing up the possibilityof making cut-off times mandatory for certain apps such as TikTok and Instagram.

Rani Govender, the policy manager for child safety online at the NSPCC, said that digital curfews, while helpful, could not stop children being exposed to harmful materials online without other measures being put in place.

“We need to make clear that a digital curfew alone is not going to protect children from the risks they face online. They will be able to see all these risks at other points of the day and they will still have the same impact,” she said.

Govender added that the primary focus for companies and the government was to ensure kids are using “much safer and less addictive sites”.

The study, conducted by the British Standards Institution, surveyed 1,293 young people and found that 27% of respondents have shared their location online with strangers.

In the same survey, three-quarters said they had spent more time online as a result of the pandemic, while 68% said they felt the time they spent online was detrimental to their mental health.

Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the suicide prevention charity the Molly Rose Foundation, said it was “clear that young people are aware of the risks online and, what’s more, they want action from tech companies to protect them”.

He added that algorithms can provide content that “can quickly spiral and take young people down rabbit holes of harmful and distressing material through no fault of their own”. New laws were “urgently required to finally embed a safe by design approach to regulation that puts the needs of children and society ahead of those of big tech”, he said.

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Source: The Guardian