German TV Viewers Embrace Second Screen

A new study commissioned by Kabel Deutschland shows that the internet has become a standard companion for German TV viewers.

According to the study, which was carried out by the market research company Ipsos, 43% of German viewers search for additional information about programs and/or use social networks while watching TV.

Viewers under the age of 34 are even more likely to use a second screen, with 63% of that demographic reporting they use an Internet-enabled device while watching television.

That increased second screen use also leads to a loss of attention for the TV, with only about one third of viewers under the age of 34 reporting that they were fully focused on the TV. But nearly 70% of the viewers over 55 reported they gave their primary attention to the television.

The study also shows a difference in the sexes when it comes to mobile use. 47% of the male respondents use a smart phone, tablet of laptop while watching television. Only 38 percent of the women report the same behavior.