UK Internet Usage Trends and Impacts

The latest Online Nation report from Ofcom has revealed a significant increase in internet usage among UK adults, with daily online time reaching an average of four hours and 30 minutes in 2025 - a 31-minute increase from pandemic levels in 2021. This surge in digital engagement has prompted a nuanced discourse on the societal implications of increased internet consumption.

While the majority still perceive the benefits of online connectivity to outweigh potential risks, there's a discernible shift in public sentiment. Only 33% of adults now view the internet as 'good for society', marking a notable decline from 40% in the preceding year. This attitudinal change reflects growing concerns about the impact of prolonged digital immersion on mental health and social dynamics.

The report also delves into children's online experiences, uncovering a complex relationship between young users and digital platforms. Despite general contentment with their internet usage, children have coined terms like 'brain rot' to describe the cognitive fatigue associated with excessive scrolling. Paradoxically, many adolescents are leveraging online services for wellbeing purposes, with ASMR content emerging as a popular relaxation tool among the 13-17 age bracket.

Furthermore, the implementation of age verification measures for pornographic websites under the Online Safety Act has led to a significant, albeit temporary, spike in VPN usage, highlighting the challenges of regulating online content access.