ONS data shows that daily internet usage has doubled in the past decade

The latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown that in 2015, the proportion of adults in Great Britain that use the internet on a daily basis has more than doubled compared to 2006. The total number of adults that use the internet everyday or nearly everyday is 39.3 million (78%).  In 2006, when directly comparable records began, the proportion was 35%.

The data also shows that almost all (96%) of those aged 16 to 24 use the internet ‘on the go’.

Most strikingly, smartphones have overtaken laptops and tablets as the most common device to use the internet on the go. Two-thirds of ‘on the go’ internet users accessed the internet via their mobile phone, compared with 45% using laptops, and 17% using other handheld devices.

Sending and receiving emails remains the most common use of the internet with 76% doing so, however the proportion of those reading online news, newspapers, or magazines has increased from 20% in 2007 to 62% in 2015.  In addition to this, the proportion of adults using social networks has continued to increase with 61% doing so in 2015, compared to 54% in 2014 and 45% in 2011.

Online shopping has experienced strong growth, too, with 90% of 16 to 24 year olds buying goods online which is an increase on 65% in 2008.  The total proportion of adults buying goods online is 76% up from 53% in 2008.  42% made purchases worth between £100 to £500, and 9% made purchases of £2,000 or more.

These figures, yet again, display the growing demand for the provision of online services. Recent polls by WebRoots Democracy and YouGov have shown that this demand is reflected in the public’s desire for the ability to be able to vote online, too, a reform which has recently been supported by London Mayoral contenders Sadiq Khan MP and Zac Goldsmith MP.

Do you think the UK should introduce an online voting option for elections?  Take a moment to sign and share our e-petition.

Access the Office for National Statistics ‘Internet Access – Households and Individuals 2015′ statistical bulletin here.