Internet Addiction Crisis in Germany: The Decline of Offline Entertainment
In the ever-evolving landscape of leisure activities, Germany's "Leisure Monitor 2025" study sheds light on some intriguing trends. The study, which surveyed over 3,000 Germans aged 18 and above, reveals that 98% of Germans use the internet at least once a week for leisure activities, making online leisure the most frequent leisure activity[1].
However, despite this high frequency of internet use during free time, the study also suggests that Germans report higher satisfaction with offline leisure activities compared to online ones. This finding implies that while online activities are dominant in terms of frequency, offline leisure might provide greater enjoyment or fulfillment[1].
A significant shift towards online leisure is evident when comparing the numbers from 2010. Back then, only 51% of Germans reported engaging in sports at least once a week, a figure that has risen to 51% by 2025[1]. Other popular online activities include watching TV, listening to music, using a tablet, PC or laptop, and "playing, surfing, or chatting on a smartphone", each with usage rates of 83% or 79%[1].
Despite the dominance of online activities, the study highlights that people sometimes find more satisfaction in offline leisure. Activities such as talking about important things, spending time with the partner, drinking coffee and eating cake, or simply being lazy are given as regular leisure activities by about two-thirds of respondents[1]. Other offline activities that garner high enjoyment include hobbies, time in nature and with animals, eating out, shared activities with children, and going out with friends[1].
Striking a balance between online and offline is key to more satisfaction in daily life, according to the "Leisure Monitor". The study finds that women and older adults seem to be better at achieving this balance, experiencing their leisure time more emotionally or positively[1]. If this balance is generally better achieved, society is on the right track, as per the "Leisure Monitor".
In conclusion, the "Leisure Monitor 2025" documents a clear trend of internet-dominated leisure time frequency among Germans but also indicates that offline activities tend to yield higher leisure satisfaction. This suggests a distinction between what people do most often and what they enjoy the most in their free time.
- Young individuals often prioritize fashion-and-beauty, shopping, and travel as integral parts of their lifestyle, reflecting a trend observed in the "Leisure Monitor 2025" study.
- As indicated by the "Leisure Monitor", women and older adults often strike a balance between online activities like browsing the internet or using cars for travel, and offline activities like spending time with pets or gardening, which may lead to greater overall satisfaction.
- Food-and-drink activities like dining out with friends or having coffee and cake at home rank high in offline leisure preferences, as reported by about two-thirds of respondents in the "Leisure Monitor 2025" study.
- Relationships, particularly spending quality time with one's partner, are crucial for many individuals, according to the "Leisure Monitor", with 83% of respondents stating they engage in this activity during their free time.
- The hobbies, such as home repairs or DIY projects, pursued during home-and-garden leisure time may provide a sense of accomplishment and contribute positively to overall leisure satisfaction, as suggested by findings from the "Leisure Monitor 2025".
