UK media consumption trends 2026: Do Brits think social media and screen time affects wellbeing?

What negative effects do people in UK associate with media consumption?

Although many adults feel media consumption has a neutral overall effect on wellbeing, a majority associate it with at least one negative consequence.

The most commonly cited negative consequence of media consumption is spending more time than intended (51%). Other frequently mentioned effects include sleep disruption (31%), reduced focus or attention span (28%), reduced productivity (26%) and information overload (24%).

Mental wellbeing concerns are also common. Nearly one in five adults who consume media associate consumption with increased anxiety or stress (19%), while 17% link it to low mood or feelings of depression. Around 17% say media consumption leads them to compare themselves with others on social media, and 15% report feeling overwhelmed.