UK spending half an hour longer online than in pandemic, says Ofcom

"The Online Nation report found on average, people in the UK spent four hours and 30 minutes online every day in 2025 - 31 minutes longer than in 2021. Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman told the BBC this was not a problem in itself, but what mattered was "what this time is displacing and how this may harm mental health". He added the "good news" was society was "beginning to question online time more critically"."

"In a year where the major UK Netflix drama Adolescence won praise and politicial attention for shining a light on misogynistic online content, the survey found adults were feeling less positive about the impact of the internet overall. Only a third (33%) said they felt it was "good for society" down from 40% in 2024. However, nearly two thirds of people still believed the benefits of being online outweighed the risks."

"While more than eight in ten aged 8-17 said they were happy with the amount of time they spent on the internet, they also recognised there were negative impacts of endlessly scrolling on smartphones. The term "brain rot" was used by some children surveyed to describe the feeling they were left with after spending too long on their devices. It has become a popular phrase to describe overconsuming online posts and videos considered to be the opposite of mentally challenging."

UK adults spent an average of four hours 30 minutes online each day in 2025, 31 minutes more than in 2021. Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman said increased online time is not inherently problematic, but concerns focus on what that time displaces and how it may harm mental health. Public sentiment about the internet declined, with only 33% saying it is "good for society" (down from 40% in 2024), though nearly two thirds still saw benefits outweighing risks. Many adults reported online activity fosters creativity and broadens understanding. Most children aged 8–17 were content with their screen time but reported negative effects from endless smartphone scrolling, with some describing "brain rot."

Read at www.bbc.com