8 charts on technology use around the world
In most countries surveyed, around nine-in-ten or more adults are online. In South Korea, 99% of adults use the internet.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
In most countries surveyed, around nine-in-ten or more adults are online. In South Korea, 99% of adults use the internet.
A median of 77% across 34 countries surveyed use the internet at least occasionally or own an internet-enabled smartphone.
Roughly half of U.S. teens say they spend too much time on their cellphones, and two-thirds of parents express concern over their teen’s screen time. But parents face their own challenges of device-related distraction.
Many experts say lack of trust won’t hinder increased public reliance on the internet. Some expect trust to grow as tech and regulatory changes arise; others think it will worsen or maybe change entirely.
Despite broad concerns about cyberattacks, outages and privacy violations, most experts believe the Internet of Things will continue to expand successfully the next few years.
The sharing economy and on-demand services are weaving their way into the lives of many Americans, raising difficult issues around jobs, regulation and the potential emergence of a new digital divide.
Nearly two-thirds of American adults (65%) use social networking sites, up from 7% when Pew Research Center began tracking social media usage in 2005.
Smartphone and tablet ownership continues to rise, while the adoption of some digital devices has slowed and even declined in recent years.
Experts foresee changes across all aspects of life as digital connectivity advances. They predict hyper-personalized interactions, 3D holograms, immersive virtual reality and a deepening dependency upon machines as we navigate our lives.
The overall verdict: The internet has been a plus for society and an especially good thing for individual users
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