UK adults are increasingly concerned about their social media habits — and they’re taking steps to do something about it.
Ofcom this week released its annual Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes and Adults’ Media Lives research reports, which track the UK’s media habits and online behaviours.
Ofcom found that social media use became ‘more passive’ in 2025. Despite 89% of adult internet users using at least one social media platform, only 49% now post, share or comment, a 19% drop from the previous year. A statement from Ofcom clarified that respondents described being ‘more selective’ in what and how they post on social media, with many shifting to ‘limited lifespan’ posts, like stories and snaps.
People also appear to be starting fewer new accounts, with 56% of people trying a new social media platform in 2025 compared to 70% in 2026.
This may be due to concerns about digital footprints: 14% more adults reported being ‘concerned about their online posts causing them problems in the future’ compared to the previous year. Screentime is likely also a factor: 67% of adults said that they sometimes spend too long on their devices, and 40% said that they spend too much time on their devices every day. Ofcom’s statement detailed a number of strategies respondents have adopted to curb their screentime, including deleting apps, leaving their smartphone at home when leaving the house, or setting time limits on their devices.
These new habits reflect a growing concern among UK internet users about the negative consequences of social media. The number of adults who ‘feel the benefits of being online outweigh the risks’ dropped by 13 percentage points from 2024 to 2025, and the number of social media users who feel that social media platforms are good for their mental health dropped from 42% to 36%.
