Sign in The rise of passive social media consumption, unease over the unearthing of ill-conceived historical posts and poor mental health are some reasons behind the drop. Composite: Artwork by Alex Mellon and Guardian Design. Source Photographs by Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe rise of passive social media consumption, unease over the unearthing of ill-conceived historical posts and poor mental health are some reasons behind the drop. Composite: Artwork by Alex Mellon and Guardian Design. Source Photographs by Getty ImagesIs the UK falling out of love with social media?Ofcom data points to more passive consumption amid changes to apps and fears about mental health and past posts
Posting significant events in your life, from birthdays to weddings and promotions, is a social media staple. But Jenny, like many other Britons recently, has hesitated over contributing to the infinite scroll.
“I wouldn’t have even posted my wedding really,” she says. “But I had to because … There’s like an etiquette. Nobody else can post your wedding until you’ve posted. So my friends were like: ‘Please post, it’s been like a week.’”
Peer pressure aside, the 32-year-old is not alone. Britain’s communications watchdog reported last week that UK adults were becoming less active on social media platforms. Ofcom said just under half of adult social media users (49%) now post, share or comment, compared with 61% in 2024.
