Texting, Social Networking Popular Worldwide
Two kinds of digital communication that have grown increasingly popular in the United States — sending text messages and using social networking sites — are also popular around the world.
Half of Adult Cell Phone Owners Have Apps on Their Phones
The share of adult cell phone owners who have downloaded an app to their phone nearly doubled in the past two years – rising from 22% in September 2009 to 38% in August 2011.
A Third of Text Message Users Prefer Them to Voice Calls
About three-in-ten text message users prefer texting to voice calls, and young adults stand out in their use of text messaging.
28% of U.S. Adults Use Mobile and Social Location-Based Services
Just over half of smartphone owners use their phones to get directions or recommendations based on their location; geosocial services and location-tagging features are less popular.
Americans and Their Cell Phones
Mobile phones have become a near-ubiquitous tool for information-seeking and communicating: 83% of American adults own some kind of cell phone. While cellphones are useful for a wide variety of tasks, owners say they also come with some disadvantages.
Closing the Local News ‘App Gap’
Local news is going mobile. Nearly half of all American adults (47%) report that they get at least some local news and information on their cellphone or tablet computer. But just 13% of all mobile device owners report having an app that helps them get local information or news.
Latinos and Digital Technology
Latinos are less likely than whites to access the internet, have a home broadband connection or own a cell phone. However, Hispanics and whites with similar socioeconomic characteristics have similar usage patterns for these technologies.
Generations and Gadgets
While many tech devices have become popular across generations, Millennials are by far the most likely group not only to own most gadgets, but also to take advantage of a wider range of functions on those devices.
