Last week we looked at computer statistics. Today a couple of other interesting stats.
With people of the world so locked into tweeting, Facebooking, texting, Googling, and constant personal and/or business e-mail checks, a genuine risk of tech addiction exists for the current generation of children. But studies show adults/parents are struggling too. Recent research by Common Sense Media, with the participation of approximately 1,800 parents with children between the age group of eight and 18, revealed something surprising. Those parents on average spend about nine hours 22 minutes each day staring at screens. This can be on smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions. Almost eight hours out of this duration are dedicated towards personal use as opposed to work. The people surveyed show some of them may or may not rely on computers for their day-to-day job. Of those responding, 78 percent of them were parents, who believe they teach their kids how to avoid addiction to tech; yes, at over nine hours a day, themselves.
So, who and how do people use the internet? This year there are over five billion internet users worldwide, which is over 64% of the world’s total population. Predictions indicate that will grow to over seven billion in the next six or seven years. The number of internet users varies greatly between regions. Eastern Asia had the highest number of users at 1.24 billion, while African and Middle Eastern regions had lower figures. Rural areas generally had lower internet access than urban areas.
The most popular online activity is email, with 86% of internet users surveyed in 2020. Video calls and internet telephoning have seen a large increase, with 73% of internet users carrying out this activity online in 2020, compared to 48% in 2019. Social networking, accessing health services online, and watching video content from sharing services are also popular activities among internet users.
Social media use continues to rise, with 4.48 billion people using social media worldwide according to platform reports. This represents almost 57% of the world’s population, with growth rates still increasing.
The escalation of online shopping in the last few years has been significant, bearing witness to shifts in consumer behavior and advancements in technology. The substantial 56% growth within a span of just three years (2019-2022) is attributable to various factors. E-commerce platforms offer unequaled convenience, providing 365/24/7 shopping opportunities without the need to leave home. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, such convenience became a necessity, now a habit. Additionally, an unlimited range of products is accessible at our fingertips, with detailed product information, hopefully impartial customer reviews, and personalized recommendations based on past purchases. These factors contribute to the rapid growth of online shopping, making it a preferred shopping method for a substantial number of consumers.
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular among employees in the United States, with more than 4.5 million people working remotely at least half the time. Statistics show that globally, an estimated 16% of companies are fully remote, and that number is only expected to increase.
Undeniably, remote work and the online lifestyle are becoming more prevalent worldwide. These changes bring both opportunities and challenges that must be handled with care in our journey toward the future. It is essential that companies, individuals, and policy-makers work collaboratively to ensure these digital shifts are beneficial, secure, and all-inclusive. By cherishing the flexibility and freedom they bring while also responsibly dealing with the associated challenges, we can make the most of our digital future.
Be wise. Start handwrite a few messages to people…even a real letter sent by US Snail. Meet people for lunch and do not touch your phone. Be with family and friends and be present.
