New data shows that Germans currently spend over 48 hours a week online, 56 minutes of which are spent interacting with AI chatbots
A new study by the cybersecurity firm NordVPN shows that Germans will spend an average of 23 years, 9 months and 17 days of their lives connected to the internet. That is about a year less than in a comparable study from 2022 (24 years, 8 months and 14 days). On average, Germans start their day online at 8.00 am and do not go offline again until 9.00 pm.
Compared to the average life expectancy of 82 years, this means that Germans devote almost a third of their entire lives to the digital world. As we spend more and more time online, digital life is also changing: by 2026, AI will have evolved from a novel technology into an everyday tool that is widely used.
“Spending a quarter of a century online is far more than just a statistic. It is a fundamental shift in our human experience,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN. “We are currently witnessing how digital platforms are increasingly taking over our everyday lives. The boundary between ‘real life’ and ‘online life’ has practically disappeared, leaving us more vulnerable than ever.”
The more time people spend online, the greater the opportunities for fraud or the excessive sharing of personal data. Furthermore, digital habits are increasingly spilling over into all areas of life: from work and leisure to AI-powered support.
Binge-watching, scrolling and the AI revolution
The way Germans spend their time online is heavily focused on entertainment, with binge-watching series and films remaining the dominant activity at 4 hours and 56 minutes per week. This is closely followed by listening to music (4 hours 36 minutes) and watching online videos (4 hours 6 minutes), whilst scrolling through social media accounts for 3 hours and 36 minutes per week.
Amidst this entertainment boom, AI has carved out a firm place for itself: Germans now spend 56 minutes each week chatting with AI chatbots. Whilst currently only 12% regard AI as an ‘indispensable’ part of their daily lives, 14% already believe that the technology has improved their online lives.
Germans disclose personal data online despite growing security concerns
Despite growing concerns about digital security, Germans remain remarkably open with their most sensitive personal data.
The study found that 60% of Germans shared their full name online, 63% their date of birth and 46% their full home address on various online platforms. 36% have even shared their relationship status online.
The willingness to share this information remains, whilst 22% of Germans admit that they cannot imagine going a whole day without the internet. This constant connectivity has led to a growing ‘second-screen’ culture: 22% of respondents admit that they are active on social media whilst watching TV series or films.
“The way we use technology goes far beyond the mere consumption of content – it is now deeply rooted in our everyday lives,” says Briedis. “Whilst many people are cautious about sharing work-related information using AI tools – only 3% say they have shared confidential documents – they are often much more willing to disclose personal data.
“As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, our approach to security must also evolve. To protect our data – and, by extension, ourselves – it is no longer enough simply to create strong passwords. It also means understanding how our data is collected, used and processed by the AI systems we interact with every day,” continues CTO Briedis.
23 years of digital life – how to stay protected
To protect your online life from the emerging risks of the AI era, Briedis shares these essential security steps:
- Be on the lookout for data breaches and identity theft
- Use trusted security software
- Check links, emails and unsolicited messages
- Do not share sensitive personal or financial data with AI tools and online platforms
- Use next-generation antivirus software
- Be vigilant against new phishing methods
- Protect confidential conversations
“As the tools we use become increasingly intelligent and we spend more and more time online, the best defence is a combination of modern encryption and a healthy dose of scepticism towards the digital interactions we once took for granted,” explains Briedis.
Further information on the study: https://nordvpn.com/research-lab/lifetime-online/
Methodology: The survey was commissioned by NordVPN and conducted by Cint between 1 and 17 April 2026. In total, more than 20,000 internet users across 20 countries were surveyed, underscoring the study’s global reach. In Germany, the nationally representative sample comprised 1,000 respondents aged between 18 and 74, with quotas set according to age, gender and place of residence.
