A rising concern among the French is their dependence on digital screens, with two-thirds unable to go a day without their smartphones. A recent survey reveals an average daily screen time of four hours, particularly among younger generations. While smartphone ownership is widespread, especially among youth, older demographics are rapidly adapting. Despite increased digital engagement, many express skepticism towards AI and concerns over privacy and online safety. The digital divide is narrowing, yet proficiency with digital tools remains a challenge for some.
The French and Their Screen Time: A Growing Concern
The French have developed a strong dependence on digital screens. A staggering two-thirds of individuals confess they can’t be away from their smartphones for more than a single day! The latest 2025 edition of the Digital Barometer, commissioned by various governmental bodies, sheds light on this undeniable trend of digital overreliance.
This comprehensive survey, which involved 4,066 participants from the French population aged 12 and above, indicates a significant uptick in screen usage compared to previous years. On average, the French dedicate around 4 hours daily to screen time, amounting to a quarter of their waking hours. Alarmingly, for one in four individuals, this screen exposure surpasses 5 hours.
Shifts in Technology Usage Across Generations
Unsurprisingly, younger individuals exhibit a more pronounced engagement with digital technology compared to their older counterparts. However, they are also increasingly aware of the potential drawbacks of such overexposure. Among 18-24-year-olds spending over 3 hours in front of screens, 61% perceive this duration as excessive, contrasting sharply with only 31% of those aged 70 and above. This growing awareness is crucial as the government aims to mitigate hyperconnectivity among children.
Smartphones reign supreme, with 96% of teenagers owning one. By 2024, 91% of the overall population will possess a smartphone, marking a four-point rise in just a year. The trend is especially pronounced among youth, with 96% of 12-17-year-olds and impressive ownership rates among adults under 60: 98% for 18-39-year-olds and 95% for 40-59-year-olds.
Interestingly, older demographics are also catching up, showing a notable increase in smartphone ownership. Among those aged 60-69, ownership rose by ten points to reach 90%, while 70% of individuals aged 70 and older now have smartphones, rising by eight points.
Moreover, the ownership of computers and tablets has seen a slight uptick (89% and 54%, respectively). Connected devices such as speakers are also gaining traction, with one-third of the population now having them, reflecting a four-point growth within the year. Overall, 40% of the French populace owns at least one connected device related to health, security, or home automation.
Despite disparities linked to socio-demographic factors becoming less pronounced, large families, executives, and younger individuals still dominate the statistics. Notably, the percentage of non-graduates owning smartphones has increased by 6 points, now accounting for 63% of this demographic.
The environmental ramifications of this digital proliferation are often overlooked. Households typically own around ten devices with screens, two of which often remain unused, highlighting a potential for recycling or resale. While smartphone longevity is improving—over a quarter of people keep their phones for more than three years, a rise from 16% in 2020—the norm still leans towards purchasing new devices, with only 22% opting for second-hand or refurbished models.
As mobile data plans inflate, with those offering over 100 GB doubling in four years (from 15% to 32%), it’s noted that two-thirds of users rarely utilize the entire data allowance. The average data consumption on mobile networks has seen a steady rise, with growth now exceeding 10% in 2024, contrasting sharply with prior years’ increases of about 25% annually.
With the sweeping adoption of fiber optics, by 2024, three-quarters of those surveyed with internet connections will use fiber or cable subscriptions, up 8 points from the previous year. Interestingly, fiber adoption in smaller municipalities (under 20,000 inhabitants) is now 69%, nearly matching rates in larger urban areas.
As screen time becomes a staple of daily life, social media captures the attention of 75% of internet users, a slight increase from last year. The engagement is mostly passive—62% read others’ content daily, but only 29% actively share or comment, with seniors surprisingly outpacing teenagers in content publication.
Beyond social media, the French are diversifying their online activities. A significant 75% utilize the internet for navigation, while 67% book medical appointments. The trend for online administrative tasks is also on the rise, with 73% of the French engaging in them, particularly notable among those over 70, who show a 7-point increase.
After a dip in 2023, online non-food purchases are surging again in 2024, with 77% of the population participating, an increase of 4 points. Clothing ranks as the top online purchase category (56%), followed by books and music at 40%. The second-hand market is thriving, with 53% of individuals having bought or sold items on platforms like Vinted or Le Bon Coin in the past year.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, spurred by the ChatGPT phenomenon. In 2024, 33% of the French have engaged with AI tools, up from 20% the previous year. Private usage of AI dominates, with 26% of individuals utilizing it for personal matters, slightly edging out professional use at 22%.
Despite this rising trend, skepticism towards AI remains prevalent, with 56% of the population expressing distrust. Concerns primarily center around job displacement (62%) and negative effects on creativity (53%) and the environment (48%). Interestingly, trust in AI increases with usage, as only 26% of those who have used AI express distrust, compared to 71% of non-users.
The digital divide is narrowing, with two-thirds of the French population believing that technology simplifies their lives, a four-point increase. However, this sentiment shifts for non-graduates, with nearly 60% feeling that digital technology complicates their daily routines.
Even with widespread digital adoption, many individuals remain apprehensive about its implications. Key concerns include the improper use of personal data (28%), alongside risks of scams and online harassment (19%). The proportion of those facing barriers to fully leverage digital tools has also decreased significantly, from 48% in 2022 to 36% in 2024. Nonetheless, 20% of the French still feel they lack proficiency with digital tools, and nearly half (44%) report challenges in navigating online administrative processes.