How do people in Germany use digital media?
Media use has also changed noticeably in Germany in recent years, with digital offerings being prioritised: close to 100 percent of people between 16 and 65 use the internet, according to the Bitkom industry association in its 2025 report on digital participation. By contrast, only 47 percent of those aged over 75 were regularly online. Smartphones are the most widely used devices across all age groups, says Bitkom. Laptops and notebooks are also widespread.
Do people in Germany use artificial intelligence (AI)?
Use of AI is rising rapidly in Germany. Roughly two thirds of people use generative AI such as ChatGPT at least now and again, according to a 2025 Bitkom survey. The figure was still only 40 percent in 2024. Three quarters of people view AI as more of an opportunity than a risk, though 60 percent also believe that Germany should become more independent of US AI firms.
Social media use in Germany
Around 63 percent of internet users regularly use social media such as Instagram or TikTok, found the 2025 ARD/ZDF media study - that’s around 44 million people.
Yes, but no longer as quickly as in recent years, according to the 2025 ARD/ZDF media study. The growth rate was three percent in 2025, compared to eight percent the year before.
Instagram was the most used social media platform in Germany in 2025, according to the ARD/ZDF media study. Facebook and TikTok take second and third place respectively. Among the 14 to 29 age group, the proportion of people who use TikTok regularly is even one in two.
