Germans swap friends for screens in their free time
People are spending less time going out with friends and more of their leisure time online. AI is now part of that shift.
A recent survey reveals that Germans are increasingly turning to digital activities and individual pursuits rather than socializing with friends during their free time. Meeting friends is still the top social leisure activity, but its importance has declined significantly. Only 19% of respondents reported regularly socializing with friends, down from 37% four decades ago.
The trend shows a shift towards individually planned activities and digital forms of interaction, such as using the internet, watching television, listening to music, and relying on smartphones. According to Ulrich Reinhardt, scientific director of the Hamburg Foundation for Future Studies, everyday leisure is dominated by these digital activities.
Artificial intelligence usage has surged, with 42% of respondents using it at least once a week, and 62% of 18- to 24-year-olds. Younger users are employing AI not only for information but also for advice, reassurance, and in some cases, as a substitute for friendship. Interestingly, Germans are now more physically active than they were in 1986, with 53% exercising weekly, compared to just 18% in 1986.
Relaxing has also become more common, increasing by 15 percentage points since 2016 to 62%. Joining clubs remains stable, with 18% participating weekly in sports, singing, or other associations. Volunteering has also grown, increasing from 6% in 1986 to 12% today.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
