The JIM Study (Youth, Information, Media) 2024 provides exciting insights into the media use of young people (aged 12 to 19) in Germany. It is conducted every year by the Media Education Research Association Southwest. Here we summarize the most important results for parents and give tips on how they can support their children.
In 2024, young people will spend an average of 201 minutes online per day – this is less than in 2023 (224 minutes) and the lowest figure since 2016. Many young people now enjoy consciously spending time without their smartphone: 60% say that they regularly take such breaks. Nevertheless, the smartphone remains the most important device: 96% of young people use it every day. They write messages, watch videos, use social media or do research for school.
Social media also plays a role in the search for information: 37% of young people find out about current topics on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok. However, 63% specifically avoid news because they are bothered by negative reports.
AI tools such as ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular: 62% of young people have already used them, especially for school (65%). Functions in apps such as Google Assistant or Snapchat AI are also popular. Young people use these not only for learning, but also for creative projects or hobbies.
Despite digital media, face-to-face meetings and sport remain important: 65% of young people regularly meet friends or play sport. Younger teenagers spend more time with their families, while older teenagers often organize their free time themselves – for example with hobbies or volunteering. Leisure activities are increasingly accompanied by digital media, e.g. gaming and online tutorials.
Problems such as fake news, cyberbullying and contact with problematic content are omnipresent. 61% of young people report encounters with fake news, while extremist and offensive content is perceived as particularly distressing. These challenges underline the need to promote media literacy. Schools and parents can play a key role by teaching the critical use of information and the importance of digital security
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into the media use of young children with the miniKIM study and the media habits of children with the KIM Study 2022. The results and further information on the JIM Study 2024 can be found in detail on the website of the Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest.
