More than a third of Internet users say they feel at least one of the negative effects of screens, according to INSEE

Reduced sleep, other neglected leisure activities, mood… A third of French Internet users feel at least one harmful effect from screens, particularly young people, according to an INSEE survey published Thursday June 13. In total, 34% of Internet users aged 15 to 74 say “at least one harmful effect of screens”and among them, 57% are under 20 years old and 49% are aged 20 to 34 years old, according to this study.

The harmful effect most cited by all Internet users questioned is the reduction in sleep time (25%), followed by neglecting other leisure activities (10%) as well as feelings of obsession with screens (9 %), like constantly thinking about social networks or a video game. A minority of Internet users surveyed (5%) say “having conflicts with (those) close to you” around the use of screens and 4% felt “unwell or depressed because of screen use”.

Of all these declared effects of screens on their daily lives, young people say they are particularly affected. Thus 37% of 15-19 year olds and 43% of 20-29 year olds say they limit their sleep time at least once a week to stay on their screens and 18% of 20-24 year olds and 15% of 15-19 year olds say having neglected their leisure activities to stay on screens, at least once a week. After using screens, 11% of 15-19 year olds say they feel depressed.

Younger people are more likely to feel the obsessive urge to be on a screen at least once a week. Thus, 19% of 15-19 year olds and 14% of 20-34 year olds. Using screens is a source of conflict with loved ones for 16% of 15-19 year olds. One in three Internet users under 30 say they spend more than six hours a day in front of screens on weekends. In this survey, all media were considered as screens: computer, smartphone, tablet, television or even game console, used for personal use, but not professional or school use.