The Jugend Internet Monitor 2026, published by Saferinternet.at, presents representative annual findings on social media usage among Austrian youth aged 11 to 17.
Key findings show that traditional messaging and video platforms continue to lead: WhatsApp (82%), YouTube (76%), Snapchat (65%), TikTok (64%), and Instagram (64%). Beyond the major social networks, the app landscape for young people is diverse. Overall platform engagement shows a noticeable decline across almost all established services. This shift reflects a broader shift from social networking and deliberate content-following to more passive, algorithm-driven short-video consumption.
Generative AI tools have seen widespread integration into daily life, with 94% of adolescents using AI chatbots. Gender disparities in general platform adoption have narrowed significantly, though clear preferences remain in areas such as gaming and visual discovery platforms (e.g., Pinterest among girls, Discord/Twitch among boys). The study highlights some evidence of emerging digital fatigue driven by content saturation, heavy advertising, and toxic online environments.
Methodology
The Jugend Internet Monitor is an annual, representative empirical survey conducted on behalf of Saferinternet.at (Österreichisches Institut für Angewandtes Telekommunikation – ÖIAT). The study samples adolescents in Austria between the ages of 11 and 17. Data collection includes quantitative surveys measuring platform adoption rates and daily usage frequencies, supplemented by qualitative focus group discussions to contextualize user attitudes, digital fatigue, and changing consumption patterns.
Country or region of researched population
Austria
Citation
Saferinternet.at. (2026). Jugend-Internet-Monitor 2026: Welche sozialen Netzwerke nutzen Österreichs Jugendliche? Österreichisches Institut für Angewandtes Telekommunikation (ÖIAT).
Record created:
20 July 2026
The Jugend Internet Monitor 2026, published by Saferinternet.at, presents representative annual findings on social media usage among Austrian youth aged 11 to 17.
Key findings show that traditional messaging and video platforms continue to lead: WhatsApp (82%), YouTube (76%), Snapchat (65%), TikTok (64%), and Instagram (64%). Beyond the major social networks, the app landscape for young people is diverse. Overall platform engagement shows a noticeable decline across almost all established services. This shift reflects a broader shift from social networking and deliberate content-following to more passive, algorithm-driven short-video consumption.
Generative AI tools have seen widespread integration into daily life, with 94% of adolescents using AI chatbots. Gender disparities in general platform adoption have narrowed significantly, though clear preferences remain in areas such as gaming and visual discovery platforms (e.g., Pinterest among girls, Discord/Twitch among boys). The study highlights some evidence of emerging digital fatigue driven by content saturation, heavy advertising, and toxic online environments.
Methodology
The Jugend Internet Monitor is an annual, representative empirical survey conducted on behalf of Saferinternet.at (Österreichisches Institut für Angewandtes Telekommunikation – ÖIAT). The study samples adolescents in Austria between the ages of 11 and 17. Data collection includes quantitative surveys measuring platform adoption rates and daily usage frequencies, supplemented by qualitative focus group discussions to contextualize user attitudes, digital fatigue, and changing consumption patterns.
Country or region of researched population
Austria
Citation
Saferinternet.at. (2026). Jugend-Internet-Monitor 2026: Welche sozialen Netzwerke nutzen Österreichs Jugendliche? Österreichisches Institut für Angewandtes Telekommunikation (ÖIAT).
Record created:
20 July 2026- social media digital health
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