Decreasing Offline Entertainment Sparks Increase in German Internet Addiction
In the heart of Europe, Germany stands out as a nation that cherishes the balance between traditional pastimes and the digital revolution. According to the "Leisure Monitor 2025" study, Germans, in their free time, are increasingly gravitating towards online activities, with a preference for online shopping, social media, and digital content consumption on mobile devices.
A significant 98% of more than 3,000 Germans surveyed online in June 2021 use the internet at least once a week, reflecting high internet penetration in the country. The convenience and appeal of digital activities, coupled with home delivery options and cheaper prices, are key factors driving this trend.
Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are central to leisure activities for many Germans, with social media penetration at 82.9%. This high penetration rate is underpinned by a smartphone penetration of 97%, making mobile devices a crucial component of online leisure activities.
Germans' preference for convenience and quality is evident in their online shopping habits. The nation is among Europe's top e-commerce markets, with e-commerce users expected to grow from 47.68 million in 2025 to 51.77 million by 2029.
However, it's not all about the screen. Germans value the great outdoors and spending time with nature and animals, making these activities a popular choice in their free time. Offline activities such as talking about important things, spending time with a partner, and shared activities with children also rank high on the list.
Interestingly, the older the population, the more "offliners" there are in Germany. Despite this, a third of the population still finds reading a book a regular activity, underscoring the enduring charm of traditional pastimes.
The integration of technology into daily life, especially in leisure contexts, is a key factor in Germany's digital leisure landscape. The nation's fast internet speeds support extensive online activities and increase digital data consumption. However, Germans value data privacy highly, shaping their online behavior and expectations of quality and security when engaging in e-commerce and social media.
In conclusion, Germans are embracing digital leisure, with a preference for online shopping, social media, and digital content consumption on mobile devices. This shift is driven by technological infrastructure, cultural habits favouring digital convenience, a broad offer of online services, and the integration of mobile technology into daily life, especially in leisure contexts. Yet, the nation still cherishes traditional pastimes, striking a balance between the digital and the analogue worlds.
[1] Source: Leisure Monitor 2025 study [2] Source: Statista [3] Source: Deutsche Telekom AG
- In the realm of German leisure, technology facilitates online shopping, contributing to Germany's position among Europe's top e-commerce markets.
- Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are integral parts of Germany's digital leisure lifestyle, with a high penetration rate that reflects the nation's smartphone usage.
