According to Ofcom’s latest 'Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes' report, the British public is increasingly stepping back from high-engagement online social life. Data shows that only 49% of social media users now actively post, share, or comment on content—a significant decline from the 61% recorded in 2024.
User behavior is shifting toward a more passive model. Many are becoming 'lurkers,' preferring to simply browse or 'like' content rather than participate in direct interaction. The study suggests this trend may be linked to evolving online habits, as people increasingly turn to generative AI chatbots as 'all-in-one' tools for work, study, and seeking advice.
Growing Concerns Over Trust and Mental Health
While social media remains a staple of daily life in the UK, public approval is on the decline. Only 59% of respondents now believe that the benefits of online life outweigh the drawbacks, down from 72% last year. Furthermore, just 36% of users feel that these platforms have a positive impact on their mental health, with 67% admitting they spend too much time online each day.
Misinformation also remains a major concern. More than half of those surveyed reported encountering false or misleading news over the past year. To verify information, 43% of users cross-reference other sources, while about 40% rely on the comments section to gauge the credibility of a post.
Regarding AI, the report highlights a rapid surge in adoption, with 54% of adults now using online AI tools, up from 31% last year. Despite this, users remain cautious: 57% of respondents stated they trust AI-generated content less than material created by humans.
Finally, the 'digital divide' persists in the UK. Approximately 6% of adults still lack home internet access, 83% of whom are aged 65 or older. For many younger and middle-aged users, the smartphone has become their sole gateway to the internet.