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Reduced sleep, other neglected leisure activities, mood… A third of French Internet users feel at least one harmful effect from screens, an impact particularly felt by the youngest, according to an INSEE survey published Thursday.
If 34% of Internet users aged 15 to 74 declare “at least one harmful effect of screens”, this is the case for 57% of those under 20 and 49% of 20-34 year olds, according to this study by the The national institute of statistics and economic studies.
The harmful effect most cited by all Internet users questioned is the reduction in sleep time (25%), followed by neglecting other leisure activities (10%) as well as feelings of obsession with screens (9 %): constantly thinking about social networks, a computer game, etc.
Some 5% of Internet users surveyed said “have conflicts with (relatives)“around the use of screens and 4% felt”unwell or depressed because of screen use“.
Of all these declared effects of screens on their daily lives, young people say they are particularly affected.
Thus 37% of 15-19 year olds and 43% of 20-29 year olds say they limit their sleep time at least once a week to stay on screens and 18% of 20-24 year olds and 15% of 15-19 year olds say having neglected their leisure activities to stay on screens, at least once a week.
After using screens, 11% of 15-19 year olds feel depressed, according to this annual survey on information and communication technologies carried out in 2023.
Younger people are more likely to be at risk of feeling the obsessive urge to be on a screen at least once a week: 19% of 15-19 year olds and 14% of 20-34 year olds. Using screens is a source of conflict with loved ones for 16% of 15-19 year olds.
One in three Internet users under 30 say they spend more than six hours a day in front of screens on weekends.
All media – computer, smartphone, tablet, television, game console, etc. – used for personal use, but not professional or school, are considered screens in the survey.
Commissioned by President Emmanuel Macron, a commission of experts recommended at the end of April banning the use of screens and mobile phones for young people and drastically limiting access for adolescents. She warned in particular about “the negative effects, direct and indirect, of screens“, particularly on sleep, a sedentary lifestyle and even myopia.
