Notable Decline in Internet Usage in Germany in 2026, Especially Among Younger Generations

Internet usage in Germany has dropped significantly in 2026, marking the first notable decrease after years of steady growth, according to the Postbank Digital Study 2026. On average, Germans now spend 67.4 hours per week online, approximately five hours less than in the previous year. This decline is chiefly driven by changing behaviors among those under 40, who are consciously reducing their internet activity, particularly on smartphones.

Smartphones remain the primary internet access device for 86% of the population; however, average weekly mobile usage has fallen from 25.7 to 23.9 hours. Younger users, despite still spending over 80 hours weekly on the internet, have cut back their smartphone online time by three hours to 31 hours. Approximately 31% of individuals under 40 intend to further reduce their private internet usage in the upcoming year, while 17% across all ages express a desire to spend less time online.

The reasons include digital exhaustion and a wish to reclaim offline time for family, friends, and hobbies—41% cited these motivations, while 38% seek fewer distractions. Health concerns (36%) and a desire for enhanced concentration (33%) also contribute to this trend. While essential online activities such as banking remain steady, social media usage declined from 71% to 64%. Meanwhile, the use of artificial intelligence tools is rising, with 56% recognizing AI as a factor potentially increasing future internet use, and 38% already employing AI services like ChatGPT.

David Dommel, head of digital performance marketing at Postbank, noted that young people are aiming to experience life offline amid constant smartphone availability. The study surveyed 3,050 people between April and May 2026 with demographic weighting to reflect the German population accurately. This shift signals a significant behavioral change in digital consumption among Germans, especially the younger demographic.