For a generation raised with smartphones and social media, one might assume that young people can’t imagine life without the internet. But new findings suggest otherwise. Nearly half of those aged 16 to 21 say they’d actually prefer to grow up in a world where the internet didn’t exist at all.
This surprising result came from a survey conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI), revealing deep concerns among Gen Z about the impact of online life on their mental health, self-image, and safety.
The Dark Side of the Scroll
A staggering 68% of young people admitted that using social media leaves them feeling worse about themselves. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, designed to hold attention through infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven content, are taking a toll on users’ self-esteem.
In response, half of the respondents said they would welcome a “digital curfew” that cuts off access to certain apps past 10 p.m. The idea of limiting late-night screen time is gaining momentum, with UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle even suggesting the government is considering mandatory restrictions for platforms with particularly addictive features.
But for many young users, it’s not just about when they’re online—it’s about how being online makes them feel.
Living Double Lives Online
The survey also offered a glimpse into the ways teens try to navigate or escape the pressure of being constantly connected. A quarter of respondents spend at least four hours a day on social media. Many conceal their digital habits: 42% admitted to lying to parents or guardians about what they do online.
Even more troubling, 42% said they had lied about their age, 40% use alternate or “burner” accounts, and 27% have pretended to be someone else altogether. These findings reveal a generation that often hides behind digital personas, not just for fun—but perhaps for protection, anonymity, or freedom from judgment.
Safety at Risk: Sharing Too Much, Too Soon
Beyond mental health concerns, the survey highlighted dangerous behaviors. Around 27% of young respondents admitted to sharing their location with strangers online—a serious safety risk.
Rani Govender, the NSPCC’s policy manager for child safety online, acknowledged that digital curfews could offer some relief but warned against relying solely on time-based restrictions. “Children are still vulnerable at all hours,” she said. “We must demand safer, less addictive platforms that prioritize wellbeing.”
Govender stressed that without meaningful reform, young users will continue to face harm—regardless of whether they’re online at 10 p.m. or 10 a.m.
Pandemic Pushes Teens Further Online
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated teens’ online habits, and the long-term effects are still being felt. Three-quarters of the survey’s respondents said their screen time increased significantly during lockdowns. Among them, 68% reported that this uptick negatively affected their mental health.
Whether it’s due to online bullying, unrealistic beauty standards, or just the emotional exhaustion of being constantly connected, many teens say the internet is no longer a safe or enjoyable space—it’s just unavoidable.
A Cry for Help—and Regulation
Advocates are urging tech companies and lawmakers to listen closely to what these young people are saying. Andy Burrows, CEO of the suicide prevention charity Molly Rose Foundation, emphasized that the problem isn’t just screen time—it’s what’s on the screen.
“Young people can be pulled into toxic content without even searching for it,” Burrows said. “The algorithms do the work for them—leading them into rabbit holes of harmful or distressing material.”
He called for urgent legislation that would enforce a “safe by design” approach, placing children’s mental health and safety above corporate profit. “Tech companies must be held accountable,” he said. “Our youth deserve better.”
A Generation Reconsidering the Internet
Perhaps the most profound insight from the survey is the growing number of teens who say they’d rather grow up without the internet at all. For many adults, the web is a useful tool. But for younger generations, it can feel like a trap—one that blurs the line between connection and isolation.
The BSI survey, which gathered responses from 1,293 young people, underscores a growing weariness with digital life. It paints a picture of a generation asking tough questions: Do these platforms support us—or manipulate us? Are we in control—or are we being controlled?
As governments discuss the future of tech regulation, the message from Gen Z is loud and clear: they want digital spaces that don’t harm their minds, exploit their data, or steal their peace. And if that’s not possible, some say they’d rather do without the internet altogether.
One thing is certain—young people are no longer just users of the internet. They’re critics of it. And they’re calling for change.
