Excessive media use continues to increase among adolescents and young adults according to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). The proportion of young people with problematic internet and computer game use is from 2015 to 2019 increased again. This is based on the results of the drug affinity study 2019 of the BZgA.

The study organizers used a multi-question scale to assess problems with Internet and computer game use. Examples of such problems are loss of control – those affected spend more time online than intended – and withdrawal symptoms – those affected feel restless or irritable when they cannot use the Internet.

More errors Among the 12 – to 15 – year olds have the share those with problematic internet and computer game use in the years 2015 to 2019 from 21, 7 to 30, 4 percent increased. Among the 18 – to 25 – year-olds the increase is 15, 2 on 23, 0 percent. The proportion of those who have not only problematic use but also a disorder also increased: among young people from 5.7 to 7.6 percent and among young adults from 2.6 to 4.1 percent.

Computer game and internet-related disorder and problematic Use. 12- to 17 – year-olds in total and by gender 2011 – 2019

(Image: BZgA)

climbs were already from 2011 to 2015 has been observed. The drug affinity study, which focuses on smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs, has also been investigating computer game and internet-related disorders since 2011. 2013 the BZgA published data for the first time on how often people aged 12 to 25 Years of computer games and internet use.

Use on average 12 – to 17 – year-olds meanwhile 22, 8 hours per week computer games and internet and 18 – to 25 – year olds 23, 6 hours per week – purely private, i.e. not for school, study or work. Since the children, adolescents and young adults were surveyed in 2015, the results cannot be used to make any statements about the corona crisis in 2020 to be hit. ( with material from dpa ) /

(anw)