Denmark holds the highest percentage of social media users in the EU, with recent findings revealing that 94% of the population has created profiles on at least one social media platform. However, there is a growing trend of discontent as more Danes are opting out of platforms like X and TikTok due to privacy concerns.
High Social Media Usage in Denmark
Denmark has officially been recognized as the country in the European Union with the highest prevalence of social media use. A recent study conducted by Analyse Danmark for the Danish Engineers Association (IDA) revealed that a staggering 94% of the Danish population has created a profile on at least one social media platform.
According to this demographic survey, more than half of the adult population—57%—actively engages on three different social media networks. This trend highlights the country’s deep integration with digital communication platforms and social networking.
As per the findings, Facebook remains the dominant force in Denmark’s online landscape, capturing a place in the digital lives of 85% of users. Danes are able to stay connected, obtain information about local activities, and interact with community groups through this social networking giant. Interestingly, nearly half of Facebook users report that they also utilize the platform for significant information related to housing associations, recreational activities, and education.
However, this heavy reliance on Facebook has raised alarm for some experts, particularly Jørn Guldberg, an IT security expert at IDA. Guldberg emphasizes the importance of finding a secure European alternative where personal data is not commodified. “Facebook has become Denmark’s digital gathering place where various organizations communicate with their members. However, it is troubling that personal data is harvested and sold for various purposes. You pay with your privacy for using Facebook, and that is deeply problematic. Therefore, neither organizations nor public authorities should communicate on Facebook,” he states.
Calls for Caution & Trends of Social Media Decline
Reflecting on the growing concerns about data privacy, organizations like the Danish Sports Federation (DIF) are advocating for a more cautious approach to social media use. In the spring, DIF recommended reducing screen time and limiting the use of social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat for planning activities within associations. This call to action reflects a broader recognition of the need for responsible usage of digital platforms.
In a fascinating twist, the survey also indicates a growing trend among Danes turning away from social media platforms over the past two years, particularly concerning Twitter, now known as X, and TikTok. Remarkably, 35% of X users reported leaving the platform within this timeframe, while 27% of TikTok users also chose to let go of the service.
Guldberg interprets this shift as a direct result of the negative reputations that both platforms have developed in regards to data collection, ethical guidelines, and moderation of inappropriate content. Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter and rebranded it as X, the platform has commonly been associated with the proliferation of extremist views and misinformation. Similarly, issues with TikTok have drawn concern, particularly among public safety officials. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has publicly advised government employees against having the app installed on their work phones, citing concerns that the Chinese government might access users’ data for espionage purposes.
A Community Seeking Alternatives
In conclusion, while Denmark remains the leader in social media engagement within the EU, the landscape is shifting as more citizens seek alternatives and raise their voices against concerns surrounding data privacy and the ethical implications of social platforms. Experts like Jørn Guldberg advocate for a more critical approach towards ever-growing digital engagements, underscoring the urgent need for secure and ethically responsible online spaces.
As this dynamic unfolds, it will be pivotal for both individuals and organizations to navigate their digital footprints with care, ultimately seeking out platforms that prioritize user privacy and promote healthy online interactions. Denmark’s social media narrative mirrors a globalization marked by increased scrutiny, demand for accountability, and an awakening to the ethical dimensions of our digital lives.
