LISBON, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS/XINHUA) - Young people in Portugal are sharply reducing their social media use, reflecting a shift toward more conscious digital habits, according to new data and researchers.

Figures from Portuguese market research firm Marktest show that the proportion of young people using social media has fallen 22 percent over the past two years. The general population is also cutting back, with average daily time spent on social media dropping 13 percent over the past year.

Data released Friday by Portugal's National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows 79 percent of residents currently use social media, the lowest level since 2017.

Researchers cited by the Portuguese newspaper Expresso say the trend is consistent with developments observed in other countries, pointing to signs of saturation as users reassess the role of social media in their daily lives. Increasingly, individuals are adopting "digital detox" practices, including limiting screen time or temporarily disconnecting from online platforms.

Experts note that the decline among young people reflects a conscious effort to establish healthier digital habits.

Patricia Dias, assistant professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences of the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP), said that reducing social media use is often a deliberate and sustained decision rather than a short-term reaction.

Drawing on her research into digital disconnection among Portuguese adolescents, Dias said many young people choose to cut back because they perceive that the benefits of social media no longer outweigh the time commitment and psychological pressure involved.

She explained that young users frequently report experiencing anxiety, compulsive checking behaviors and social pressure, particularly the fear of missing out. These factors encourage them to set boundaries on their online activity, reduce usage or temporarily disconnect altogether.

Dias emphasized that such behavior represents a process of self-regulation. "What we are observing is an increasing awareness among young people of the need to protect their attention and well-being, and to develop more balanced and sustainable patterns of online engagement," she said.

Despite the decline, social media continues to play a significant role in Portuguese society. Analysts note that the current trend does not signal the disappearance of social platforms, but rather a shift toward more selective and intentional use.