The number of internet users worldwide continues to grow. While internet penetration in the most economically developed countries is already nearly 100 percent, there are still billions of people around the world without access. Mobile internet, whether via a high-end smartphone or a cheap feature phone, is transforming how people go online and what the internet can be used for. Many other factors, like age, gender, education, and income, also greatly influence internet access and consumption. Knowing how different demographic groups spend their time online is essential for anyone trying to understand better how internet users and consumers around the world behave.
Global internet penetration rate as of October 2024, by region
Further details: Visit original statistic Global internet penetration rate as of October 2024, by region
As of 2024, the global internet penetration rate was over 67 percent. Among global regions, the online penetration rate was highest in Northern Europe and Northern America. The lowest online presence was reported in Middle Africa and Southern Asia. This picture is more likely to be linked to the development of digital infrastructure. However, as technology improves and budget smartphones become more widely available, less developed regions are set to see a huge increase in online users.
Internet usage worldwideAverage daily time spent using the internet by 2nd quarter 2024, by age and gender (in hours. minutes)
Further details: Visit original statistic Average daily time spent using the internet by 2nd quarter 2024, by age and gender (in hours. minutes)
Users between 16 and 24 are the most active internet users worldwide. This is unsurprising, as most of this age group are digital natives. Millennials ranked second by the average daily time spent online. Older generations tend to spend relatively less time online. Regarding gender groups, the usage of the internet is almost equal.
Internet usage demographics in the U.S.Share of users worldwide accessing the internet in 2nd quarter 2024, by device
Further details: Visit original statistic Share of users worldwide accessing the internet in 2nd quarter 2024, by device
Mobile phones, mostly smartphones, are the most widely used devices for accessing the internet. In the third quarter of 2023, 91 percent of worldwide adults between 16 and 64 years used smartphones for connecting to the internet. Devices like laptops, connected TVs, and tablet devices, lagged behind. Within the last five years, mobile's share of average daily time spent online has decreased by around ten percent.
Share of daily internet time global Q3 2013-Q4 2023, by device
Statista offers comprehensive data on global internet usage. The platform provides up-to-date information on the size of the global online population, country-specific online penetration rates, and online user demographics.
In this section, users can find a wide range of statistics covering the latest trends in online user behavior. Survey data on internet usage times are available alongside information on the devices and technologies most commonly used to browse the web. In addition, the database also offers relevant insights into popular online activities and identifies the most visited websites, leading social networks, and mobile apps worldwide.
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