What if we got rid of the internet? The idea appeals to a surprising number of young people

A study conducted in the United Kingdom shows nearly 50% of 16-21 year-olds would prefer a world without the internet. A rather surprising conclusion, which is accompanied by other profound changes in the relationship of young adults to hyper-connection – with the common thread being the desire to be able to disconnect more easily.

The Internet is seen less and less by young people as the promise of a better world. A study conducted in the United Kingdom (via The Guardian) highlights, among other things, a growing rejection of hyper-connectivity among 16-21 year-olds. 46% of those surveyed by the researchers said they would have preferred to spend their youth in a world without the internet.

While the British government is considering imposing a digital curfew for minors, 50% of respondents said they were in favor of the measure. Ultimately, what emerges from the survey is a widely shared feeling of unease surrounding social media. 70% of participants say they feel more unwell after using social media.

Rebellion against an overly connected world?

At the same time, the online space is pushing them to greater transgression. 46% of the age group surveyed admit to having lied to their parents or legal guardians about their online activities. At the same time, lying when creating compotes is common, particularly about age (42%). A large number of young adults also reveal having created a secret account, and 27% say they invent an online life that is radically different from reality.

This can have consequences for mental health, as 68% of those surveyed admit to feeling a negative impact. The last interesting figure from this study, conducted on a sample of 1,293 people by the British Standards Institution: 27% of respondents admit to having shared their location online with strangers.

What is interesting about this survey is that it shows both that young people are aware of the risks associated with their online presence and seem ready for fairly radical measures to be passed to limit their effects. It also seems that they are calling on industry players, particularly GAFAM, to propose new ways to limit hyper-connectivity and its effects.