Consumers are keen to start the new year with a 'digital detox' with more than a third (38%) recognising the negative impact being online has on their well-being, according to the latest EY Decoding the Digital Home survey.

The survey of 2,500 UK consumers looks at attitudes towards technology, media and telecoms experiences in the home.

Key Findings:

• 38% of UK consumers are concerned about having too much screen time and are keen to have a 'digital detox'

• Almost half (47%) of 18-34 year olds view their online activities as more disruptive than beneficial to their well-being

• 67% of households believe that government and regulators aren’t doing enough to combat harmful content online

Concerns over the effects of digital technology on people’s mental health are rising more prominently among younger consumers, with 47% of 18-34 year olds viewing their online activities as more disruptive than beneficial to their well-being. Additionally, 41% of UK households are concerned about the levels of screentime in their homes.

Rob Atkinson, EY UK&I Technology, Media and Telecommunications Market Leader, said: " With more than a third of survey respondents acknowledging the adverse effects of digital consumption on their personal well-being, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our online habits have a profound impact on our mental health and overall well-being."

“As the conversation around digital well-being gains momentum and smartphone bans for children become a focal point of public discourse, it's important that service providers reflect on these insights and establish a stance that resonates with and supports the needs of today's families."

Concerns Over Data Compromise On The Increase

In addition to concerns about unsafe and untrusted content, UK households are also cautious of data compromise. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents express significant caution about disclosing personal details online, with older groups (55 years+) being the most cautious.

Furthermore, 49% believe it is impossible to keep personal data secure on the internet, a sentiment shared across age groups. Despite these concerns, there is a growing openness to data sharing for personalised experiences, particularly among younger users. Three-in-ten users (30%) are now willing to exchange their personal data for service customisation, up from 27% in 2022, with over 40% of younger users open to this value exchange. These insights suggest potential monetisation opportunities for companies that can effectively demonstrate the benefits of personalisation.

Consumers Call For More Effective Regulation Of Potential Harmful Content

The survey found that households are also anxious about harmful content, with 46% of households saying they are concerned about what members of their household might encounter while online – up from 38% last year. Sixty-two per cent (62%) of UK households are alert to the potential risks of children being exposed to harmful content. With this in mind, 67% of households believe that governments and regulators aren’t doing enough to combat harmful content online.

Alongside concerns over harmful content and digital well-being, UK households are also increasingly alert to the potentially negative impact that AI could have on trusted content. Over half of households (61%) are very concerned that AI will make content less reliable, with a similar number (62%) expressing fears about the role 'bad actors' could play in using AI to create harmful content. The majority of households also believe that governments and regulators should be doing more to mitigate the potential downsides of AI.

Rob Atkinson, added: “The increasing concern of harmful online content and the potential negative impact of AI on trusted content highlights a critical need for more robust measures. Last month, a key milestone in the implementation of the UK Online Safety Act came into effect, impacting businesses with an online presence who provide ‘User to User’ services and search functions."

"This landmark safety law will require platforms such as forums, video-sharing services and social media websites to implement a range of safety measures to help better protect users through better moderation, built-in safety tools and clear ways to report any harmful content."

"Non-compliance of these new regulations could lead to fines of up to £18m or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue and ultimately criminal liability for directors.”

Refer for more information about The Online Safety Act and how the new rules are impacting online businesses.