#Social Media #JobQ #Dependency

Understanding Social Media Dependency Among Young Professionals

In a rapidly digitizing world, social media has become an integral part of daily life. Yet, with its rise in popularity, dependency issues have surfaced prominently, particularly among younger demographics. A new survey conducted by Job Q Research, a branch of Persol Career Co., Ltd., assessed the social media usage of 397 working adults aged 20 to 50 in Japan, revealing some startling insights into user dependency and the perceived risks of social media use.

The Scope of the Survey

The survey, carried out from April 22 to April 27, 2026, focused on various dimensions of social media usage, ranging from purposes to self-awareness regarding dependency and the risks involved. The respondents included a diverse mix of men and women currently employed across Japan.

Key Findings

Dominance of X and News Utilization

Among the platforms cited, X (formerly Twitter) leads with a usage rate of 74.3%, followed closely by Instagram at 72.5% and Facebook at 35.0%. The main reason users engage with these platforms is for news and current events, with a remarkable 66.0% acknowledging this as their primary intent. Interestingly, trending topics and hobby-related information follow closely, signifying a dual role of social media as both an informational tool and a recreational space.

Recognition of Dependency

The survey unveiled that 64.0% of respondents are aware of their social media dependency. Among these, 13.9% reported feeling