A new Eurostat release from July 2025 shows daily online activity is nearly universal among young Europeans. Ninety-seven percent of people aged 16–29 in the EU now use the internet every day, up from 87% ten years ago. The shift underscores how digital life has become central to education, work, and culture, and it provides a reference point for Thailand’s own digital transformation.
For Thai policymakers and educators, the data emphasize the internet’s role in shaping youth development. Daily connectivity is now an expectation rather than a luxury, particularly in urban areas. Overall EU internet use has climbed from 63% in 2014 to 88% today, illustrating a new norm of digital engagement that Thailand is approaching, though rural communities still face gaps.
The statistics also show that young people drive online activity. About 88% of EU youths engage in social networks—creating profiles, posting content, and sharing—compared with 65% of the general population. In some countries, youth online life is nearly universal; for example, Czechia reports 99% of young people online socially. These patterns reveal how national contexts shape digital behavior and access. Thailand’s authorities can observe how youth online culture blends education, creativity, and civic participation as digital platforms continue to grow.
From a Thai viewpoint, internet reach matters for learning, work opportunities, and community life. Urban studies show high daily usage among city youths, while rural provinces still struggle with access and digital skills. This gap highlights the need for targeted investments in connectivity and literacy so all Thai youths can benefit from online resources, programs, and services.
Social media serves as a bridge between global conversations and local realities. EU youths use platforms for communication, activism, and cultural exchange, a pattern echoed in Thailand where online spaces influence discussions on education reform and public participation. Experts stress that digital citizenship must be paired with media literacy to protect privacy, counter misinformation, and promote respectful online engagement.
Thailand’s digital divide stems from infrastructure gaps, income differences, and geographic dispersion. The government has advanced broadband expansion and the Thailand 4.0 strategy to boost digital skills, yet rural and border areas still face barriers. Data from Thai institutions shows a clear urban-rural split in daily internet use, underscoring the need for both connectivity and capability-building to close the second-level digital divide—skills and meaningful use as much as access.
Moving forward, Thailand can draw a roadmap from Europe: invest in universal connectivity, couple it with robust digital literacy programs, and foster inclusive environments where youths can learn, create, and participate in society. The EU experience demonstrates that broad engagement is achievable with sustained multi-sector collaboration and ongoing attention to new online challenges.
A note of caution: increased online activity requires strong digital ethics education, privacy protection, and safe online behavior. Privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and misinformation are global issues. Thai educators are advised to weave media literacy and critical thinking into curricula, supported by community and parental involvement to cultivate responsible online citizenship.
Practical takeaways for Thai families and communities:
- Prioritize high-quality internet access in every region, including rural areas.
- Integrate digital literacy and media-education into schools and after-school programs.
- Encourage safe and constructive use of social media, with guidance for parents and teachers.
- Support public programs that expand digital education beyond urban centers.
To stay ahead, Thailand should keep tracking usage trends, invest in inclusive access, and design policies to maximize digital benefits for youth. The European example shows that widespread online engagement is attainable, but it requires coordinated action across government, schools, families, and communities.
Observations about the EU data and Thailand’s digital landscape come from major statistical bodies and UNESCO Bangkok’s ICT education initiatives, which emphasize improving access, skills, and responsible digital citizenship.