38 Percent of Norwegian Youth Admit They Are Hooked on Social Media

(MENAFN) A striking new survey reveals that growing numbers of Norwegian children and teenagers are uncomfortable with how much time they spend scrolling — and many are actively seeking a way out.

The findings, published by the Norwegian Media Authority and reported by a public broadcaster, show that 38% of children and young people feel they are spending excessive time on social media, while 30% expressed a desire to disconnect more frequently. Meanwhile, 28% of respondents acknowledged that social media is costing them sleep.

The survey, conducted across 1,750 young people between the ages of 9 and 18, recorded a modest but notable uptick in self-reported concern compared to its previous edition in 2024.

At the heart of the issue, experts argue, is deliberate platform architecture. Researcher Henrik Haug Saetra noted that the world's largest social media companies deploy specialists whose sole focus is maximizing the time users spend on their platforms — a strategy with a telling name.

"It is called, among other things, 'addictive design'," Kamilla Steinnes, a researcher at OsloMet, told the broadcaster.

Steinnes — who admits she personally struggles to disconnect — explained that bite-sized, entertaining video content fosters a powerful sense of community and belonging, making users reluctant to step away.

"If you log out, the fear of missing out increases. This makes it difficult to put your phone away," Steinnes added.

The Norwegian Media Authority is now investigating how platform features and interface design psychologically trap users in endless loops of engagement. The report lands as governments across the globe intensify efforts to restrict or outright ban minors from accessing social media platforms.

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