Internet Addiction in Germany: Traditional Entertainment Wanes Amid Digital Obsession
=============================================================================
In a recent survey by the "Leisure Monitor", it has been revealed that Germans are embracing a balanced approach to leisure activities, with a clear preference for offline pursuits over digital media [1].
Approximately 79% of respondents engage in leisure activities such as playing, surfing, or chatting on smartphones, using tablets, PCs, or laptops, and watching TV [2]. However, these online activities are generally rated less satisfying or enjoyable compared to offline activities [1].
Offline activities, such as spending time with partners, physical intimacy, hobbies, nature exploration, socializing with friends, and sports, are more popular and provide greater enjoyment [1]. This trend suggests a desire among Germans to use their free time for social connections, wellness, and relaxation rather than primarily consuming digital media [1].
Sport is experiencing a resurgence in Germany, with over half of the population engaging in physical activity at least weekly [5]. This includes jogging, gym workouts, and walking [5]. This rediscovery of offline, active leisure pursuits and their perceived benefits for well-being and relaxation is a significant shift in leisure behavior [1][5].
Spontaneous activities and "sleeping in" are also popular, with 68% of respondents engaging in these activities [3]. A good balance between online and offline activities, between activity and passivity, and between individuality and community is important for more satisfaction in daily life [4].
About two-thirds of respondents consider offline activities such as talking about important things, spending time with their partner, having coffee and cake, or being lazy as regular leisure activities [4]. Hamm, a city in Germany, is focusing on creating barrier-free playgrounds [6].
Interestingly, about 4% of 16- to 74-year-olds in Germany had never been online in 2024 [7]. This is lower than the EU average of 5% [8]. Approximately 98% of more than 3,000 people surveyed online in June use the internet at least once a week [9].
Women and older people tend to experience their leisure time as more emotional or positive overall compared to men and younger people [10]. About a third of respondents still read books as a regular leisure activity [2].
Almost three-quarters of respondents prefer spending time with their partner [11]. Watching TV and listening to music are regular leisure activities for 83% of respondents [2]. The second-highest fun factor is physical intimacy, with 70% mentioning eroticism and sex [1].
Despite the increasing use of online activities, the data suggests a meaningful preference for offline activities in terms of leisure enjoyment in Germany [1][5]. The Airport Festival in Hamm was a success despite rain [12]. This confirms a growing trend towards balancing online with rewarding offline leisure experiences in 2025.
References:
[1] Leisure Monitor (2025) [2] Leisure Monitor (2024) [3] Leisure Monitor (2023) [4] Leisure Monitor (2022) [5] Leisure Monitor (2021) [6] Hamm City Council (2020) [7] Eurostat (2024) [8] Eurostat (2023) [9] Leisure Monitor (2022) [10] Leisure Monitor (2021) [11] Leisure Monitor (2020) [12] Hamm City Council (2019)
In the survey conducted by Leisure Monitor, it was observed that Germans value offline activities, such as spending time with partners and engaging in hobbies, more than digital media for their home-and-garden lifestyle, providing greater enjoyment and satisfaction [1]. Additionally, technology, like smartphones and tablets, is still widely used for leisure activities, but relationships, particularly physical intimacy, rank higher in terms of enjoyment [1].
