Germans Swap Friends for Screens in Their Free Time

In Germany, socializing with friends is giving way to individually planned and digital activities, according to a recent survey. The Hamburg Foundation for Future Studies found that only 19% of respondents regularly meet friends, a stark decline from 37% in their first Leisure Monitor conducted four decades ago. Social gatherings are increasingly being replaced by digital and individually organized pursuits, with Ulrich Reinhardt, the foundation's scientific director, noting that everyday leisure is now dominated by internet use, television, music, and smartphones.

Digital activities have surged in popularity: 82% of respondents listen to music digitally weekly, up from 52% in 2016; 71% use social media weekly, up from 48%; and 33% play video games weekly, up from just 9%. Moreover, 42% of respondents utilize artificial intelligence (AI) at least once a week, with this figure rising to 62% among 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 appear to be more physically active than in the past. The survey revealed that 53% engage in weekly exercise, compared to just 18% in 1986. Additionally, the practice of simply relaxing or doing nothing has become more common, increasing by 15 percentage points to 62% since 2016. While joining clubs remains stable, with 18% participating weekly in sports, singing, or other associations, regular volunteering has seen a rise, from 6% four decades ago to 12% today.