We live in a time where internet usage is an all-day, everyday occurrence. Many people in the U.S. require consistent access to the internet, whether they are remote working, scrolling or streaming. As we continue to rely on the entertainment and convenience offered by a strong internet connection, it’s crucial to examine the trends and preferences that are impacting this ever-evolving digital terrain.
Forbes Home conducted thorough research of the top internet usage statistics to offer insightful and accurate data regarding current internet usage habits, to encapsulate internet culture in 2024.
Key Internet Statistics
There are 5.35 billion internet users worldwide.
Working, streaming, scrolling and gaming, are all extremely common reasons to use the internet. Out of the nearly 8 billion people in the world, 5.35 billion of them, or around 66% of the world’s population, have access to the internet, according to Statista.
The number of internet users is expected to reach 7.9 billion by 2029.
As the capabilities of the internet continue to grow and change to keep up with life around us, the number of internet users is bound to increase and will do so at a rapid rate. In fact, in just five years, the number of internet users is expected to increase 47% from 5.35 billion users in 2024 to 7.9 billion users in 2029.
On average, internet users spend six and a half hours online every day.
The amount of time users spend on the internet varies by age group, but on average, people spend 6.5 hours on the internet every day, according to the Global Web Index. However, individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 spend an additional 2.5 hours more time online than those between the ages of 55 and 64.
75% of people aged 15 to 24 have access to the internet across the world.
Generally speaking, more individuals under 24 have access to the internet than those ages 25 and older, and by a significant 10%, Statista reported. When it comes to having access to the internet around the world, 75% of those between the ages of 15 and 24 have internet access, compared to 65% of those ages 25 and over.
7.5 million blog posts are published each day.
The internet has been a treasure trove for blogs for years: recipes, fashion, finance, home decor and improvement and more. There are 7.5 million blog posts published online every day, EarthWeb reported.
5.04 billion people are on social media as of 2024.
With Facebook, Instagram, Reddit and TikTok, the internet is full of social media platforms that offer opportunities for individuals to share and build connections online. As of 2024, there are 5.04 billion social media users.
The internet was officially created on January 1, 1983.
Some of us were born before the internet, and others have never known a day without it. Whichever category you fall into, it’s hard to imagine life without it now. But did you know that the internet has only been around for 41 years? It was officially created on January 1, 1983.
Time Spent on the Internet by Device
On average, people spend almost four hours on their mobile device every day
Having access to the internet is easier than ever before, as we have it in the palm of our hands at nearly all times with our smartphones. On average, people spend 235 minutes, or around four hours daily, on their mobile devices, according to Insider Intelligence.
On average, people spend over two hours on connected TV devices everyday.
Our mobile devices aren’t the only way we’re connecting to the internet throughout the day. People are spending on average 123 minutes, or just over two hours, on connected TV devices, like AppleTV, Blu-ray devices, gaming consoles and more each day.
On average, people spend over an hour on a desktop device every day.
Another way of accessing the internet is through desktop devices, like personal computers and laptops. From these devices, individuals are spending, on average, 65 minutes per day.
Whether for work, school or leisure activities, desktop devices offer users a versatile and reliable means of interacting with online resources and services.
Internet Usage Statistics in the U.S.
As of 2024, 94.6% of Americans have access to the internet.
Now that we’ve taken a broad look at internet usage throughout the world, it makes looking at internet usage in America that much more interesting. As of 2024, the internet is accessible to nearly 95% of the United State population, or about 322,563,519 individuals, according to a U.S. Census.
By 2029, 98% of Americans will have access to the internet.
While the number of Americans with internet access is already high, it is only expected to grow. In the next five years, the percentage of American internet users is expected to increase from 94.6% to 98%. This projected increase reflects the ongoing trend towards increased digital connectivity and the growing integration of internet-based technologies into various aspects of daily life.
As technology continues to grow and advance, and internet infrastructure expands along with it, more individuals and households are expected to join the ranks of online users, further solidifying the internet’s pivotal role as an essential tool for communication, sharing information, entertainment and more.
80% of Americans subscribe to home broadband internet.
A vast majority of Americans rely on a daily internet connection for work, entertainment, staying connected with friends and family and more. Home broadband internet subscriptions are utilized by around 80% of Americans. This high subscription rate indicates the essential role of internet connectivity in modern American society, reflecting its status as a fundamental utility for millions of households across the country.
Rural America has the smallest population with access to the internet.
In the United States, daily internet access is a necessity for millions of people across diverse areas, spanning from bustling cities to remote rural towns. Those in suburban areas are the most connected with 97% having access to the internet, while only 93% of those in rural areas do, according to the Pew Research Center.
In the middle are those in urban areas, with 95% having access to the internet. Despite these differences, the internet serves as a vital tool for communication, education, commerce and entertainment for individuals across all areas.
Internet Users by Age in the U.S.
In today’s digital age, access to the internet has become increasingly impactful in the ways people of all ages get information, connect with others and navigate daily life. Recent statistics show that a vast majority of Americans across various age groups have embraced online connectivity, the Pew Research Center reported.
Among individuals aged 18 to 29 in the United States, an astonishing 97% have access to the internet, which reflects the importance of digital integration among younger demographics. Similarly, those aged between 30 and 49 exhibit even higher rates of digital connectivity, with an impressive 98% having internet access. The prevalence of internet access remains impactful in older age brackets, with 96% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 having internet access.
While technology adoption continues to rise among seniors, a notable difference remains in their level of connectivity versus that of younger generations, with 88% of Americans aged 65 and above having access to the internet. These statistics emphasize the evolving importance of digital connectivity across different age groups and highlight the influence of internet accessibility on America as a whole.
Cities With the Best Access to Internet
In our modern, interconnected society, having dependable and high-speed internet isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. Knowing which cities have the best internet access is an important consideration for those thinking of moving, or if you’re simply curious about the internet dependability in your area. Here are the top five cities in America with the best internet access:
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- San Francisco, California
- Tampa, Florida
Search Engine Statistics
1.11 billion websites exist on the internet in 2023.
The internet is a vast and ever-growing space, serving as a hub for a variety of information, services and interactions. As of 2023, there were around 1.11 billion websites on the internet, illustrating its boundless nature. While not all of those sites are active (an impressive 201.8 million are), the ones that are continue to serve as a place of connectivity and access to a wealth of resources with the click of a button.
Google Chrome is the most popular web browser.
Google Chrome stands out as the undisputed leader in the world of web browsers, holding an impressive 64% share of the global market. Known for its speed, simplicity and reliability, Google Chrome has emerged as the top browser choice for millions of users around the world. Its intuitive interface, seamless synchronization across devices and wide offering of extensions and plugins contribute to its notable popularity.
Over 350 million domains have been created so far since the beginning of the internet.
The number of domains on the internet continues to grow with over 350 million established to date. This impressive number exemplifies the rapid growth and widespread adoption of online platforms for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal blogs and business sites to online stores and educational portals. Each domain offers a unique online presence, and as the internet continues to change and grow, the creation of new domains will reflect this ongoing innovation.
Mobile Internet Usage Statistics
96.5% of people access the internet using a mobile device.
As far as how the internet is being used, via a mobile device is a popular choice with 96.5% of individuals accessing the internet this way. The accessibility and convenience offered by mobile devices like smartphones and tablets has completely changed how and when people engage with online content, communicate with others and conduct various other online activities on the go. Whether it’s checking emails, browsing social media or shopping online, accessing the web has never been easier, thanks to mobile devices.
Android is the most popular mobile operating system.
If you’re an iPhone user, you may be surprised to learn that across the world, Android is the leading mobile operating system, taking up 70% of the market in comparison to iOS’s 29%.
Despite the popularity and perceived prestige associated with iOS devices, the widespread popularity of Android devices demonstrates their appeal to a wider range of consumers worldwide. Android’s versatility, affordability and extensive range of devices contribute to its dominance in the market.
Instagram is the most popular application for mobile devices.
As of 2023, Instagram remains the most popular mobile application for smartphone users. The app boasts its dominance with an impressive 696 million downloads worldwide. Following closely behind, TikTok has an astonishing 654 million downloads, showcasing its growing popularity in the realm of mobile apps.
Both apps offer ways to connect, be creative and share with others, which resonate with users of all ages and interests and likely drives their popularity on a global scale.
An impressive 59% of traffic comes from mobile.
Regarding worldwide internet traffic, a majority of it stems from mobile device usage. An astonishing 59% of all internet usage is coming from mobile device usage. This shows the acute impact that smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices have on how people choose to access and interact with content online.
Whether you are scrolling through social media, shopping online, watching videos or even working, the convenience of mobile devices have made engaging with the internet easier and more accessible than ever before.
Bottom Line
After examining this information, it’s obvious that internet usage is changing and growing every day, and has had a profound impact on how we navigate our day-to-day lives.
From the growing number of websites and domains to the dominance of mobile device usage, it’s clear that the power of having easy access to a wealth of information is more necessary and impactful than ever before.
If you found these trends interesting or just want to learn more we invite you to visit our hub for more insightful statistics pages that dig deeper into the dynamic landscape of digital media and overall internet usage. Whether you’re an online student, remote worker or avid social media streamer, understanding the impact of internet usage is helpful for everyone.
Visit our hub to view more statistics pages.
Sources
- Statista
- Global Web Index, pg.6
- EarthWeb
- University System of Georgia
- InsiderIntelligence
- Census Population Clock
- PewResearch
- Siteefy
- Statcounter
- BusinessofApps
