Germans swap friends for screens in their free time

A recent survey reveals that Germans are allocating less of their leisure time to socializing with friends and more to solitary, digital pursuits, according to findings published by the Hamburg Foundation for Future Studies. While meeting friends remains the top social leisure activity, its prevalence has dropped significantly over the past four decades. In a sample of 3,000 respondents, only 19% reported regularly going out with friends, a stark decline from 37% in the foundation's inaugural Leisure Monitor 40 years ago.

Ulrich Reinhardt, the foundation's scientific director, attributes this shift to the growing dominance of internet use, television, music, and smartphones in everyday leisure. Digital activities have surged in popularity, with 42% of respondents using artificial intelligence at least once a week, a figure that climbs to 62% among those aged 18 to 24.

Reinhardt notes that younger users are increasingly turning to AI not only for information but also for emotional support and, in some instances, as an alternative to friendship.

Interestingly, the survey also indicates that Germans are more physically active than they were in the past. Currently, 53% engage in weekly exercise, up from just 18% in 1986. Moreover, relaxation time has increased by 15 percentage points since 2016, now accounting for 62% of leisure activities. Despite this, joining clubs remains a consistent pastime for 18% of respondents, with participation in sports, singing, and other associations. Regular volunteering has also seen a rise, from 6% 40 years ago to 12% today.