Postbank Study 2026: Internet Usage in Germany Significantly Decreases

Smartphone Remains Dominant Device

Despite the trend, the smartphone remains the most important gateway to the internet: 86 percent of people in Germany use it for internet access. Online banking continues to be stably used by more than 50 percent of the population. Employed individuals spend an average of 2.8 hours per day online for work, primarily via laptops and desktop PCs.

The strongest user group continues to be those under 40, with an average of more than 80 hours per week online. However, even in this age group, weekly smartphone time decreased by three hours to 31 hours. 31 percent of those under 40 plan to further reduce their private internet usage in the coming twelve months. Across all age groups, 17 percent expressed a desire for less online time.

Younger Generation Plans Further Reduction

As reasons for a more conscious reduction, respondents primarily cited more time for family, friends, or hobbies (41 percent), less distraction in daily life (38 percent), negative health effects (36 percent), and the desire for better concentration (33 percent).

At the same time, interest in new digital applications is growing: 38 percent of people in Germany already use AI tools like ChatGPT for targeted information research. Of the respondents who want to use the internet more in the future, 56 percent see artificial intelligence as the most important driver.

AI as a Driver of Future Usage

Postbank digital expert David Dommel interpreted the results as a sign of more conscious differentiation. He explained: "Going online via mobile is firmly part of Germans' daily routine. But especially young people also want to be offline sometimes. This applies particularly to mobile phones because they are available everywhere."

Dommel added: "People in Germany are more consciously distinguishing between necessary and superfluous online activities." Postbank sees this as confirmation of trends such as digital detox, hybrid work models, and a stronger focus on digital applications with concrete added value.

Postbank Sees Trend Towards More Conscious Selection

Overall, the study paints a picture of a society that continues to use the internet intensively, but at the same time, is more carefully weighing which online activities are actually necessary and which can be consciously omitted.

The Postbank Digital Study is conducted annually and is considered one of the broad indicators for daily digital usage in Germany. The 2026 results suggest that the pandemic-induced usage boom of previous years is giving way to a phase of active regulation.