Nearly Half of Young People Favor an Internet-Free World, UK Survey Reveals

A recent study indicates that nearly half of young individuals desire a world devoid of the internet.

The findings show that about 70% of people aged 16 to 21 feel increasingly negative about themselves after using social media. Additionally, 50% are in favor of implementing a “digital curfew” that limits access to specific apps and websites after 10 PM, while 46% express a wish to be younger in an internet-free environment.

One-quarter of participants reported spending over four hours daily on social media, and 42% confessed to deceiving their parents and guardians regarding their online activities.

Of those surveyed, 42% admitted to fibbing about their age, 40% owned a fake or “burner” account, and 27% claimed to pose as someone else entirely.

These results followed the technology secretary Peter Kyle’s comment suggesting that the government should consider mandatory time limits for specific apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Rani Govender, NSPCC’s policy manager for child safety, noted that a digital curfew alone cannot shield children from harmful online content without implementing additional measures.

“We must recognize that digital curfews won’t fully safeguard children from online threats. They can encounter these risks at different times throughout the day, and the consequences will remain,” she explained.

Govender emphasized that the primary goal of both businesses and the government should be to provide children with “a much safer, less addictive platform.”

The study, carried out by the UK Standards Agency, surveyed 1,293 young people, revealing that 27% disclosed their locations online to strangers.

Moreover, three-quarters of young respondents said they increased their online time during the pandemic, and 68% felt that this increased screen time adversely affected their mental health.

“It’s evident that young people recognize online risks and are calling for action from tech companies to safeguard them,” stated Andy Burrows, CEO of the suicide prevention charity The Molly Rose Foundation.

He remarked that algorithms could lead users to “harmful and distressing content unintentionally,” and that new regulations urgently need to adopt a design approach prioritizing the safety of children and society over the interests of large tech corporations.