70 percent of young Dutch people struggle to stop scrolling on social media

Seven out of ten Dutch youth find it difficult to put down their phones while using social media, with rates climbing to nearly eight in ten in the Amsterdam region. This finding comes from a large-scale survey conducted by the GGD and the RIVM on the mental and physical health of young people.

The survey, completed by 135,000 individuals aged 16 to 25, highlights notable differences in behavior based on gender and location. Young women reported more difficulty stopping than young men.

Regional variations were also significant, with nearly 80 percent of respondents in Amsterdam struggling to disconnect, compared to just under 65 percent in Drenthe. Overall, the problem is more pronounced in western and central parts of the Netherlands, such as Het Gooi and Utrecht, than in regions like Noord-Limburg.

Behavioral scientist Loes Pouwels from Radboud University attributes this difficulty to the design of social media platforms. “Apps like TikTok allow endless scrolling. Algorithms tailor content to match users’ interests, which is highly rewarding,” Pouwels explained.

According to the research, uncontrolled social media use can lead to mental health issues, loneliness, and sleep disturbances. Pouwels noted that excessive time spent on these apps often comes at the expense of school, work, and social interactions. “It can cause friction, for example, when someone uses their phone while conversing with others,” she said.

However, she emphasized that the relationship between social media and mental health is complex. “Young people who already experience mental health problems often turn to social media as an escape.”

Despite the challenges, Pouwels pointed out that social media also has positive effects on young users. “Many young people report building social networks through these platforms, and it can strengthen friendships,” she said.