In an increasingly interconnected world, it comes as no surprise that internet usage, smartphone ownership, and social media usage have become widespread across many regions. However, recent data from the Pew Research Center has revealed substantial disparities in technology usage across different countries and demographic groups.
According to the 2022 and 2023 Global Attitudes Surveys, virtually all adults in the countries surveyed are internet users, with approximately 99% of South Koreans being online. In contrast, internet usage is considerably lower in India (56%), Nigeria (57%), and Kenya (66%). Nevertheless, the data also indicates that internet usage in these nations is steadily increasing alongside improving economic conditions and enhanced technology accessibility.
Additionally, the surveys have underscored the influence of demographic factors on technology usage. It was observed that younger adults, aged 18 to 39, were significantly more likely to use the internet, own smartphones, and engage in social media compared to those aged 40 and above. Similarly, individuals with higher levels of education and income were found to have a higher likelihood of being internet users, owning smartphones, and using social media.
The trends in smartphone ownership and social media usage also varied across different countries. In South Korea, 98% of respondents reported owning a smartphone, whereas ownership rates were substantially lower in India and Nigeria. Furthermore, it was noted that social media usage was most prevalent in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Malaysia, while usage was relatively lower in Germany and India.
One of the notable findings was the narrowing age gap in social media usage across 19 advanced economies, suggesting that older adults are increasingly embracing social media platforms at a faster rate than younger adults in several countries. Moreover, in some nations, there were political ideology influences on social media usage, with left-leaning individuals being more likely to use social media compared to their right-leaning counterparts.
It is paramount to acknowledge that the use of technology can significantly impact survey data collection, as evidenced in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, where surveys were specifically tailored for mobile phone users due to the high prevalence of mobile phone ownership.
The extensive data collected through various methods such as online, face-to-face, and telephone interviews offers valuable insights into the global landscape of technology usage. While the surveys have produced compelling results, the Pew Research Center also recognises the necessity for further examination of social media’s influence on democracy in the forthcoming series.
The wealth of information gathered from the surveys provides an in-depth understanding of technology trends, emphasizing the influence of education, income, age, and other demographic factors on internet usage, smartphone ownership, and social media engagement. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in shaping societies worldwide, these insights will prove to be invaluable for researchers, policymakers, and businesses alike.
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