Just 9% of young Aussies have a “very positive” relationship with social media

A recent survey has found that Australians aged 18-24 spend an average of 3.08 hours per day on social media, compared with 2.58 hours among those aged 25-34.

The research was performed by health insurance comparison service iSelect, and alarmingly found that only 9% of 18-24-year-olds describe their relationship with social media as “very positive”.

Another concerning finding is that 46% of Australians aged 18–24 say social media distracts them from work or study. And more than half (51%) say they spend less time on hobbies and real-life activities because of social media.

In recent years, the rise of doomscrolling (the endless consumption of negative or anxiety-inducing content online) has reshaped how Australians spend their time and even how they see themselves. Against a backdrop of pandemics, political instability and economic uncertainty, younger generations appear to be among those most likely to get caught in the endless scroll.

The iSelect survey found that Australians spend an average of 1.88 hours per day on social media.

However, for Australians aged 18-24, this figure is significantly higher. 

Young adults spend an average of 3.08 hours per day on social media, with almost one in three (30%) spending more than four hours a day scrolling compared with much lower rates among older Australians.

 

 

 

 

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Young Australians: Heavy Use, Low Positivity

Despite being the heaviest users of social media, only 9% of Australians aged 18-24 describe their relationship with social media as “very positive”.

By comparison, older age groups report more balanced or neutral experiences. The findings suggest that younger Australians may have a more conflicted relationship with social media, spending significant amounts of time online while feeling less positive about the benefits they receive in return.

The impact of excessive scrolling is particularly stark among younger Australians.

More than half (51%) of 18-24-year-olds say social media means they spend less time on hobbies and real-life activities, compared with 30% of Australians overall.

Young Australians aged 18-24 also report that social media:

Distracts them from work or study (46%)
Keeps them up at night (40%)
Makes them feel insecure when comparing themselves with others (37%)
Leads them to choose scrolling over spending time with loved ones (37%)
Work Doomscrolling: Young Workers Struggle to Switch Off

Doomscrolling at work

The research also found that doomscrolling can extend beyond social media and into the workplace.

Almost half (49%) of Australians say they regularly or sometimes find themselves scrolling through work-related apps outside of working hours.

However, this behaviour differs significantly between generations. Australians aged 25-34 are the most likely to engage with work-related apps after hours, with 72% saying they regularly or sometimes find themselves doing so.

Andres Gutierrez, General Manager Health at iSelect, said:

“Constant screen time and exposure to negative news can heighten stress, disturb sleep and contribute to anxiety, while hours spent scrolling can often replace healthier routines such as exercising, socialising face-to-face or engaging in hobbies. 

"Over time, these patterns may impact both mental and physical wellbeing.

“Taking small steps, such as setting limits, using screen time tools and prioritising balance, can help to reduce prolonged periods of doomscrolling. 

"For those struggling with their sleep, mental health or overall wellbeing, exploring options such as health insurance can provide an added layer of protection, ensuring that support is available when you need it.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.iselect.com.au/health-insurance/insights/doomscrolling-health-impact-report/