Survey: Germans want to spend less time on their cell phones

According to a representative survey by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, 40 percent of Germans made several good resolutions at the beginning of the New Year. The intention to spend less time on a cell phone or computer is becoming increasingly popular.

Advertisement

34 percent of people surveyed by the Forsa Institute said they wanted to be online less. Ten years ago, only 15 percent of those surveyed with intentions at that time expressed this desire. Among youth ages 14 to 29, one in two (52 percent) plan to spend less time on their cell phones.

No more cable clutter: Uniform charging cable requirement applies to cell phones

Less stress and more time for family

The most popular solution is the desire for less stress. 68 percent said they want to avoid or reduce stress – more than ever in 14 years. In second place, with 64 percent, was the intention to spend more time with family and friends.

In third place, with 61 percent approval, was the good intention to have more sports. 56 percent have decided to eat healthier and 54 percent want more time for themselves.

53 percent expressed their intention to behave in a more environmentally and climate-friendly manner. In 2022, 64 percent had committed to this goal. Some of the less common resolutions are to lose weight (34 percent) and be frugal (33), as well as eating less meat (26), watching TV (21) and drinking alcohol (20). 12 percent of the people surveyed want to smoke less with a resolution.

Feeling too fat, too stressed, too weak

According to Forsa analysis, respondents are often motivated by their personal feelings, such as being too fat, too stressed or too weak, and especially the need to take more care of their own health. Others make their resolution as a result of a serious illness or because their doctor encourages them to live a healthy life.

The Forsa Institute surveyed 1,002 people in Germany between 15 and 19 November. The question asked about the following resolutions for 2025 (multiple answers possible):

• avoid/reduce stress
• More time for family/friends
• move/play more
• eat healthy
• more time for yourself
• behave in a more environmentally and climate-friendly manner
• lose weight
• less cell phone, pc, internet
• be more economical
• eat less meat
• watch less television
• drink less alcohol
• quit smoking

(mho)