Germany: Social media addiction among youth doubles since 2019

A recent study by DAK reveals that pathological social media use among children and adolescents in Germany has more than doubled since 2019. As of late 2025, approximately 6.6 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds met the ICD-11 criteria for addiction, compared to 3.2 percent in 2019.

Risky usage patterns have also seen a significant long-term increase, rising from 8.2 percent in 2019 to 21.5 percent in 2025. The data indicates that the issue is not merely a temporary byproduct of the pandemic. The 14- to 17-year-old age group is particularly affected, with 10 percent exhibiting pathological usage, whereas the rate for 10- to 13-year-olds stands at 2.7 percent.

Pathological use is characterized by a loss of control, prioritizing social media over daily life and hobbies, and continuing use despite negative consequences. The findings suggest an increasing need for prevention and early support interventions.