A striking new study reveals that nearly half of young people in the UK would prefer to live in a world without the internet, highlighting growing concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on mental well-being. The research, as reported by The Guardian, paints a stark picture of digital fatigue and a desire for greater online regulation among 16 to 21-year-olds.

The survey found that almost 70% of young people experience negative feelings about themselves after engaging with social media. This sentiment is so strong that half of those surveyed would support a “digital curfew” restricting access to certain apps and websites after 10 pm, while a significant 46% expressed a preference for a completely internet-free adolescence.

However, experts caution that a digital curfew alone may not be sufficient.

The study, conducted by the British Standards Institution, surveyed 1,293 young people and uncovered alarming online behaviours. A quarter of respondents admitted to spending four or more hours daily on social media. Furthermore, 42% confessed to misleading parents about their online activities, with 42% lying about their age, 40% using “burner” accounts, and 27% pretending to be someone else entirely. Concerningly, 27% also reported sharing their location with strangers online.

These findings emerge as the UK government, through Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, has hinted at the possibility of mandatory cut-off times for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The pandemic appears to have exacerbated online engagement, with three-quarters of respondents reporting increased internet use. Alarmingly, 68% linked their time spent online to a negative impact on their mental health.

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