UK Adults Spending More Time Online Than During the Pandemic, Ofcom Report Shows

UK adults are spending more time online in 2025 than they did at the height of the Covid pandemic, according to Ofcom’s annual Online Nation report. The study found that people now spend an average of four hours and thirty minutes on the internet each day, an increase of thirty one minutes compared with 2021, a period already marked by heavy reliance on digital platforms for work, entertainment and social connection.

The findings highlight how deeply internet use has become embedded in daily routines. From streaming services and social media to online shopping and digital banking, the internet now shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. While the increase in usage does not automatically signal a problem, experts say the context and consequences of this time deserve closer attention.

Experts Warn It Is Not Just About Time

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman told the BBC that the amount of time spent online is not harmful on its own. Instead, he emphasised the importance of understanding what online activity is replacing. He said that when screen time begins to displace essential behaviours such as sleep, exercise, face to face social interaction or meaningful downtime, it can have a negative effect on mental health.

Dr Sigman noted that UK society is slowly becoming more aware of these concerns. He described it as a positive sign that people are starting to question the role of digital technology in their lives and are reflecting more critically on how they use it. This shift in perspective, he added, may help guide healthier long term habits.

Adults Growing Less Positive About the Internet’s Influence

The report also found that public opinion on the internet’s overall impact is becoming more cautious. Only one third of adults said they believed the internet was good for society, a decline from forty percent the previous year. The drop coincides with rising concerns about harmful online content, misinformation and the influence of dominant tech platforms.

Public debate on the issue intensified in 2025, especially after the Netflix drama Adolescence received widespread acclaim for exposing misogynistic online behaviour and the pressures faced by young people in digital spaces. The series sparked national conversations about online safety, regulation and the responsibilities of technology companies.

Despite these concerns, nearly two thirds of adults still felt the benefits of the internet outweighed the potential risks. This suggests that while trust in some aspects of the digital world is decreasing, most people continue to rely heavily on online services and view them as essential to everyday life.

Internet Still Seen as a Tool for Creativity and Learning

Many respondents expressed that the internet remains a valuable source of creativity and knowledge. About three quarters of adults agreed that being online helps expand their understanding of the world. Whether through documentaries, global news, educational videos or creative platforms like digital art and music tools, the internet continues to offer opportunities for personal enrichment and exploration.

Ofcom’s report paints a picture of a society that is both deeply connected and increasingly reflective about the consequences of its digital habits. As online time reaches record highs, the challenge for individuals, families and policymakers is to ensure that the internet continues to enhance daily life rather than diminish it. The findings suggest that the conversation is shifting: instead of simply asking how much time people spend online, the focus is turning toward how that time shapes wellbeing, relationships and the broader social fabric.