Survey reveals concerning trend: Already one in three Finns finds it difficult to put down their phone

Of those who responded to the Digital Life survey, 42 percent felt that constant use of digital devices impairs their ability to concentrate. Additionally, 41 percent reported difficulty stepping away from the internet, and 35 percent said they find it hard to put down their phone.

“Especially those aged 25–34 feel that digital devices interfere with their concentration. Interestingly, the youngest age group, those aged 16–24, are the most active in limiting their phone and internet use,” says Vilhelmiina Wahlbeck, DNA’s Director of Sustainability.

The most common way people replace screen time is with other forms of leisure, and 60 percent of those who limit their usage say they do this. This method has also seen the biggest increase in popularity since last year. Other popular strategies include keeping the phone on silent for part of the day and limiting phone use before bedtime.

“Younger people under 35 in particular have added more non-screen activities to their lives. This may also reflect generational differences in how devices are used. Younger users often use their phones for entertainment, watching series, and social media. In contrast, older age groups still watch linear TV and make phone calls, and only 16 percent of them feel the need to limit their time online,” Wahlbeck explains.

“It’s important to remember that smartphones and the internet serve a wide range of purposes. In a digitalizing society, time spent on smart devices is also used for managing everyday tasks, and not all entertainment use is harmful,” Wahlbeck adds.

Survey participants believe that smartphone use for tasks such as payments and remote home monitoring and control will increase over the next two years. Disconnect Day aims to promote purposeful and moderate use of smart devices.

“The survey shows that most social media use is quite passive. Fewer than ten percent of respondents actively post content, while 42 percent say they post infrequently and mostly follow others,” Wahlbeck notes.

Playing cards to support digital skills

Strong digital skills support smart and safe use of devices. That’s why DNA, in collaboration with PLAN International Finland, has created a set of digital skills playing cards. These cards are designed for practicing digital skills in schools but can also be used in other settings, such as youth groups and camps.

“It’s important to ensure that young people have the skills needed to use digital devices safely and wisely. Skill levels vary, so it’s essential to provide support to help them navigate digital life,” Wahlbeck says.

This year, nearly 5,500 packs of the cards have already been distributed, primarily to education professionals. Based on teacher feedback, the cards have reached over 57,000 students.

DNA’s Digital Life survey, conducted in collaboration with Nepa Insights, was carried out via an online panel from March 24 to 28, 2025. The aim was to explore how Finns use various digital services and how they perceive digital equality. The annual survey received responses from 1,020 Finns aged 15 and older. The study has been conducted since 2013. More information (in Finnish): https://corporate.dna.fi/medialle/dnan-tutkimukset/digitaalinen-elama-2025

More about Disconnect Day (in Finnish): https://corporate.dna.fi/alyvapaapaiva

Media Inquiries:
Vilhelmiina Wahlbeck, Director of Communications, Sustainability and Brand Development,
tel. +358 44 040 1671, vilhelmiina.wahlbeck@dna.fi 

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi