Dutch youth show increased criticism of social media usage

A study conducted by Mediahuis Nederland and MediaTest involving 2,608 young people aged 15 to 35 reveals a growing critical attitude toward digital life in the Netherlands. While participants spend an average of 3.9 hours daily on social media and over five hours on their phones, there is a shift toward more conscious usage.

Approximately 86% of young people are taking active steps to limit their screen time, such as disabling notifications or setting time limits. Despite the high usage, nearly 40% of respondents expressed regret regarding the invention of social media, and over one-third reported feeling sad, insecure, or gloomy following social media use. While TikTok usage is growing among 62% of the group, Instagram has seen its first decline in years.

This trend reflects a broader struggle within the attention economy, where digital platforms—including streaming services, games, and social media—compete for increasingly scarce human attention. As users become more aware of the impact of technology on their well-being and future employment, they are increasingly seeking to regulate their own digital consumption.