EU Youth Daily Internet Use Surges, Social Networks Dominate
Digital Divide Shrinks as Young Europeans Lead Online Engagement
In 2024, a remarkable 97% of European Union citizens aged 16 to 29 reported daily internet usage. This figure significantly outpaces the 88% of the general population, revealing a substantial 9 percentage point gap in digital immersion.
Bridging the Digital Chasm
Over the past decade, this disparity has been steadily diminishing. A comparison with 2014 data shows a dramatic shift: only 87% of young people were daily internet users then, while the overall population stood at 63%. This represents a significant contraction of the engagement gap from 24 percentage points to its current 9 points.
The data originates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, specifically from the dataset isoc_ci_ifp_fu.
Social Media Engagement Soars Among Younger Demographics
Across all EU member states, young people exhibit a markedly higher propensity for engaging in social network activities compared to the broader population. Creating user profiles and posting content remains a prevalent practice, with 88% of individuals aged 16-29 participating, contrasted with 65% of the general populace.
National Variations in Social Networking
Czechia leads the bloc in youth social network participation, with an impressive 99% of its young citizens actively engaged. Cyprus and Greece follow closely, each reporting 98% engagement. Conversely, France, with 70% (based on 2023 figures), Italy at 80%, and Germany, Slovakia, and Bulgaria all at 84%, registered the lowest rates of participation among this demographic.
This information is drawn from the Eurostat dataset isoc_ci_ac_i.
This reporting aligns with World Youth Skills Day on July 15th, an occasion that this year emphasizes the pivotal role of AI and digital literacy in empowering young individuals globally. For instance, a recent study by Statista indicated that as of early 2024, over 4.9 billion people worldwide actively use social media, underscoring the pervasive influence of these platforms (Statista, 2024).