For the first time ever, global social media usage is shrinking, and the trend is being driven by younger generations. Time spent on platforms peaked in 2022, but recent data shows a marked pullback, particularly among users aged 16 to 24.
According to research from GWI, the average number of hours spent on social media per day has dropped across nearly all age groups.

Overall, daily social media consumption has declined from its high in 2022, signaling a shift in how people engage with digital platforms. Analysts suggest that the younger demographic is increasingly prioritizing real-world experiences, privacy, and alternative forms of digital entertainment over traditional social networks.
This historic shift challenges the long-held assumption that social media usage will continue to grow indefinitely, marking a potential turning point in digital culture.