The insurer AXA Germany conducted a survey on social media or had it conducted by YouGov, which brought to light results that are certainly worth considering. Around 26% of the Germans surveyed stated that they had already received “abusive” (= sexualized) content in social networks without having asked for it. If you only look at the Germans who are under 25 years old, then you even get to 40%.
Not really positive and healthy either: 18% of the men surveyed specifically look at content on social networks to make fun of others. For women, the proportion is 9%. It should be borne in mind that the number of unreported cases in such questions is usually significantly higher, since social desirability has a strong influence on the answers.
Around one in ten (12 percent) have also admitted to having channeled their bad mood on social media. An equally large proportion admit to being tempted to make negative comments or to engage in conversations that he or she would not have in real life. This is probably something typical that you can also observe here and here in the blog in the comments. One in five respondents (20 percent) would like to spend less time at the screen in 2023. Almost every tenth (8 percent) would even like to temporarily completely do without the use of digital devices.
Almost half of all respondents (42 percent) say the tone on social media has gotten rougher over the past 12 months. There are clear gender differences both in the perception of social media and in their use. Around one in three (32 percent) enjoys being able to surf the Internet anonymously. However, more men (37 percent) than women (29 percent) agree with the statement. Anonymity is of course both a curse and a blessing, because on the one hand it protects against practical jokes by strangers in real life, on the other hand it tempts you to behave that you would otherwise not act out in everyday life.
In case you’re wondering what AXA is interested in about the whole misery: it’s money. The company admits this quite openly, because they state that “against this background, they are constantly expanding their portfolio of different offers in the field of mental health care” for their customers.
About the study itself: In January 2023, the opinion research institute YouGov surveyed 2,045 people online on behalf of AXA Germany. The aim of the survey was to generate a picture of the mood regarding possible good resolutions in the new year and the attitude towards social media.
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