JIMplus 2026: Digitales Wohlbefinden von Jugendlichen

Key Findings

• — 52% of 12-19-year-olds use AI or chatbots such as ChatGPT online; 61% say the increasing amount of AI content leaves them unsure what to believe on social media
• — When burdened or worried, 63% listen to music, 52% talk to friends or siblings and 47% to a trusted adult; 12% talk to an AI chatbot about it (girls 15%, boys 10%), compared with 2-3% who use counselling services or helplines
• — The share talking to a trusted adult falls with age (14-15: 53%; 16-17: 41%) while distraction through social media rises (39% to 50%)
• — 72% say social media distracts them from things they should be doing and 55% that it leaves too little time for rest; 40% report reduced concentration; 82% see the platforms as an important source of knowledge
• — 43% report that smartphones are banned at their school

Methodology Notes

Mixed methods: online diary (n=33, 26 February to 2 March 2026), remote individual interviews (n=20, 10 to 13 March 2026) and a standardised online survey through an online access panel (n=800, 13 to 27 May 2026) of 12-19-year-olds in Germany. Quantitative figures are percentages of the n=800 sample; the coping item allowed multiple answers. Published 15 July 2026 (mpfs press archive); the 48-page PDF carries no day-level date.

Sources