Main Reasons for Social Media Use Among Adolescents

Based on the 2026 Flash Eurobarometer 'Impact of excessive screen time and social media on young people’s mental health' survey of over 23,000 adolescents, this chart identifies the primary and secondary motivations for using social media. The data reveal that entertainment (57% in total) and interpersonal connection (53% in total) are the two main reasons why European youth use social media. While entertainment is the most commonly cited "first" reason (27%), staying in contact with friends and family is a close second, illustrating that social media serves also as essential social infrastructure. Although 40% of adolescents use these platforms to follow influencers or creators, only 29% use them for self-expression or to share their own content. Furthermore, metrics such as receiving likes and followers, are cited as a primary motivator by only 6% of young people.