What we know about internet use, smartphone ownership and digital divides in the U.S.
Today, most Americans subscribe to home broadband internet and own a smartphone, while about four-in-ten say they’re online almost constantly.
Digital Divide
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Teens and Internet, Device Access Fact Sheet
Today, nearly all U.S. teens (96%) say they use the internet every day. And the share of teens who report being online “almost constantly” has roughly doubled since 2014-2015 (24% vs. 46%).
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Americans’ Use of Mobile Technology and Home Broadband
Most U.S. adults today say they use the internet (95%), have a smartphone (90%) or subscribe to high-speed internet at home (80%). About four-in-ten report being online almost constantly.
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What Americans Know About AI, Cybersecurity and Big Tech
Americans’ understanding of digital topics varies notably depending on the subject. For example, majorities of U.S. adults know what cookies on websites do and can identify a secure password, but far fewer can recognize an example of two-factor authentication.
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Quiz: Test your knowledge of digital topics
Test your knowledge of digital topics and terms by taking our nine-question quiz. Then, compare your score with knowledge measured among the American public.
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How Teens Navigate School During COVID-19
A majority of teens prefer in-person over virtual or hybrid learning. Hispanic and lower-income teens are particularly likely to fear they’ve fallen behind in school due to COVID-19 disruptions.
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What we know about online learning and the homework gap amid the pandemic
Here is what our surveys found about the students most likely to lack the home internet connectivity needed to finish schoolwork.
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Americans with disabilities less likely than those without to own some digital devices
The digital divide between Americans who have a disability and Americans who do not remains for some devices.
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The Internet and the Pandemic
Nine-in-ten Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them, many made video calls and 40% used technology in new ways. But while tech was a lifeline for some, others faced struggles.
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Some digital divides persist between rural, urban and suburban America
Rural adults are less likely than suburban adults to have home broadband and less likely than urban adults to own a smartphone, tablet or computer.
