**Young People Face Most Hostile Content Online, Eurostat Report Reveals**
A recent report from Eurostat has unveiled concerning trends regarding online hostility, particularly affecting younger internet users across the European Union. The findings indicate that individuals aged 16 to 34 are the most frequent targets of hostile or degrading content, with exposure rates significantly declining in older age groups.
The data, which reflects experiences from 2025, shows that 54.0% of internet users aged 25 to 34 encountered hostile messages, closely followed by 53.7% of those in the 16 to 24 age bracket. This prevalence of negative online interactions diminishes as users age, with only 46.4% of individuals aged 35 to 44 reporting similar experiences. The trend continues downward, with 38.9% of those aged 45 to 54, 32.8% of users aged 55 to 64, and just 28.1% of individuals aged 65 to 74 experiencing hostile content.
The report highlights a significant gender disparity in the experiences of young users. Among the 16 to 24 age group, young women are particularly vulnerable, with 57.2% reporting exposure to hostile online messages, compared to 50.4% of young men. This pattern of heightened exposure for women is consistent across various categories of hostile content identified in the study.
The most frequently reported types of hostile messages pertain to political or social views and issues related to racial or ethnic origin. In the realm of political or social views, 42.5% of young women reported encountering hostility, while the figure for young men stood at 39.3%. Similarly, 38.2% of young women faced negative messages concerning racial or ethnic origin, compared to 35.6% of young men.
The research further identified significant gender gaps in exposure to hostility related to sexual orientation, sex, and disability. In terms of sexual orientation, 37.8% of young women reported encountering hostile content, while 32.6% of young men experienced similar treatment. Regarding messages about sex, 30.9% of young women were targeted, in contrast to 24.9% of young men. When it comes to disability, 23.0% of young women reported exposure to such content, while the figure for young men was lower at 19.3%.
These findings raise important questions about the online safety and mental health of younger users, particularly young women, who appear to be disproportionately affected by hostile interactions. The report underscores the need for further research and potential interventions to address the growing issue of online hostility, especially as digital communication continues to play a central role in the lives of young people.
As the internet remains an integral part of daily life, understanding the dynamics of online interactions and their implications for mental health and well-being is crucial. The Eurostat report serves as a timely reminder of the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating the digital landscape, highlighting the importance of fostering a safer online environment for all users.