Fewer UK adults are now posting, commenting or sharing content online, according to Ofcom's latest survey. This shift indicates a rise in 'passive' social media use, with people becoming more intentional about their online presence.

Experts suggest this might be driven by a desire for digital self-preservation or simply a move towards smaller, private spaces like group chats and direct messages. While social media isn't becoming any less social, it's certainly becoming less public.

The survey also found that more adults are expressing concerns about potential long-term consequences of posting online, indicating that many now see it as more of a liability than self-expression. Additionally, there’s been a notable rise in AI tool usage among young people, with over 75% of those aged between 16 and 34 now using such technology.

Meanwhile, users are spending an average of 31 minutes longer online compared to the pandemic period in 2021. However, a growing number feel they sometimes spend too long on their devices. Dr Ysabel Gerrard at the University of Sheffield notes that some young adults might be swapping smartphones for dumb phones and 'craving the MySpace era,' pointing towards digital fatigue as a possible factor.

The social media landscape has also undergone significant changes, with short-form video content dominating platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These feeds now prioritize algorithmic, video-first entertainment over posts from personal acquaintances, reflecting a shift in how users engage with these platforms.