Enthusiasm for the internet is cooling

"It's becoming increasingly apparent that virtual worlds can replace actual ones only up to a point," he told Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).

"A small but growing group of people who had a strong affinity to the internet and digitalisation are dropping out now," remarked Horx, noting that many companies had declared email-free days.

He cited studies showing that some 2.6 million people regard themselves as "ex-onliners," having cut down on their digital communication to enhance the quality of their lives.