The internet has reshaped how we live, learn, and connect. But for many young people in the UK, it’s also a source of stress and anxiety. According to a recent survey, nearly 50% of teenagers and young adults between 16 and 21 years old say they’d prefer a world where the internet simply doesn’t exist. Yes, half of them.

The study digs deeper: almost 70% admit they feel worse about themselves after scrolling through social media platforms. Sounds familiar? Yeah, it’s that nagging feeling many get after hours lost in a feed full of perfect lives, filtered photos, and endless comparison.

Interestingly, half of the respondents are on board with a “digital curfew” — basically, shutting down access to certain apps past 10 p.m. The idea is to limit late-night exposure that can disrupt sleep and mental health. It’s not just a pet peeve of parents anymore; young people themselves seem to want a break from their screens.

Secrets Behind the Screen: Lies and Burners

The study uncovers a more shadowy side of online life. About 42% of these young folks admit to lying about their age on the internet. That’s almost half pretending to be older or younger to access certain platforms or avoid restrictions. Another 40% confessed to running “burner” or fake accounts — alternate profiles used to hide their real identity or explore different online personas.

Even more striking: 27% say they have pretended to be an entirely different person online. That’s a lot of masks in the digital masquerade. It shows the pressure to conform or experiment with identity can be overwhelming.

A quarter of the respondents report spending four or more hours daily on social media. That’s a big chunk of the day — nearly half their waking hours for some — tangled in a digital web that, for many, breeds discomfort more than joy.

Government Eyes Digital Curfews Amid Rising Concerns

These findings come at a time when the UK government is seriously considering mandatory digital curfews for apps like TikTok and Instagram. Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, hinted that cut-off times could become law to protect young users from the addictive and potentially harmful aspects of social media.

But is a curfew enough? Experts like Rani Govender, NSPCC’s policy manager for child safety online, argue that it’s only part of the puzzle. She points out that setting curfews won’t fully shield children from harmful content or risky interactions online. “Kids can still face these dangers at other times of the day,” she warns.

Govender stresses that companies and the government need to focus on creating safer, less addictive platforms. “We need much safer sites that don’t hook kids into endless scrolling or expose them to harmful material,” she says.

The Bigger Picture: What Young People Really Want

So what’s really going on here? The fact that so many young people wish the internet didn’t exist says a lot. It’s not that they hate technology itself — most can’t imagine life without it. But the way social media is designed, with endless feeds and algorithms that favor sensational or negative content, can wear on mental health.

Many feel trapped in a cycle where they want connection but also crave escape. The idea of a digital curfew appeals because it promises boundaries in a space that often feels boundless.

The pressure to present a perfect online self, to gather likes, and to keep up with peers can be exhausting. Add to that the risks of misinformation, bullying, and privacy invasions — and you’ve got a toxic stew brewing.

Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health: What The Numbers Say

It’s worth looking at the stats here. According to a report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics in 2023, teenage girls who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to report poor mental health. Boys show similar patterns but to a lesser extent.

That’s a sharp jump, especially for girls. The connection isn’t perfect—correlation isn’t causation—but it’s enough to raise alarms.

What Happens Next?

The digital world isn’t going away. But the way it’s structured, how companies build platforms, and how governments regulate them, is still up for grabs. This new wave of young users is pushing back, asking for limits, protections, and honestly, sanity.

Whether it’s through official curfews or safer tech, or more education and awareness, something’s got to change. After all, if half of young people wish the internet didn’t exist — that’s a loud wake-up call.