Young people in Portugal are cutting back on social media use. New data reveals why digital detox and conscious online habits are reshaping youth behavior.
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| Portugal sees its lowest social media usage since 2017 as young people lead a wider move toward balanced and self-regulated digital lifestyles. Image: CH |
Lisbon, Portugal — December 14, 2025:
Portugal’s young people are stepping back from social media in growing numbers, signaling a notable shift in how digital platforms fit into everyday life. Recent data and academic research indicate that this trend is not a temporary reaction but a conscious reassessment of the costs and benefits of constant online connectivity.
According to figures from market research firm Marktest, social media use among young people in Portugal has fallen by 22 percent over the past two years. The decline extends beyond youth demographics, with the general population spending 13 percent less time on social platforms over the past year. Supporting this broader pattern, data released by Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics show that 79 percent of residents currently use social media—the lowest level recorded since 2017.
Researchers say Portugal’s experience mirrors developments seen across Europe and other regions, where signs of digital saturation are becoming increasingly evident. After years of near-continuous growth in platform usage, users are beginning to question how much time and attention social media deserves. Practices such as limiting screen time, scheduling breaks from platforms, or engaging in short-term “digital detoxes” are becoming more mainstream.
The shift is particularly pronounced among younger users. Studies cited by Portuguese media suggest that adolescents and young adults are often motivated by concerns over mental well-being. Many report heightened anxiety, compulsive checking behaviors, and social pressure—especially the fear of missing out—that ultimately push them to reduce usage or disconnect altogether.
Patrícia Dias, assistant professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences of the Catholic University of Portugal, describes this behavior as a process of self-regulation rather than withdrawal. Her research shows that young people frequently make deliberate decisions to cut back after concluding that social media no longer offers enough value to justify the emotional strain and time demands.
Experts emphasize that the trend does not signal the decline of social media’s relevance in Portuguese society. Instead, it points to a transformation in usage patterns. Social platforms remain important tools for communication, information sharing, and cultural participation, but they are increasingly being used more selectively and intentionally.
As Portugal’s youth redefine their relationship with digital technology, the country offers a snapshot of a broader global transition—one in which connection is no longer measured by hours online, but by balance, purpose, and well-being.