Social Media and Young Adults

Part 2: Gadget ownership and wireless connectivity

Introduction

Recent Pew Internet reports have noted that internet connectivity is increasingly moving off the desktop and into the mobile and wireless environment, particularly for specific demographic groups.5 Understanding an individual’s technological environment is now a vital clue in understanding how that person uses the internet, connects with others and accesses information. Among teens, the average person owns 3.5 gadgets out the five we queried in our survey: cell phones, mp3 players, computers, game consoles and portable gaming devices. In September 2009, adults were asked about seven gadgets: cell phones, laptops and desktops, mp3 players, gaming devices and ebook readers. Out of a possible seven gadgets, adults owned an average of just under 3 gadgets. Young adults ages 18-29 average nearly 4 gadgets while adults ages 30 to 64 average 3 gadgets. And adults 65 and older on average own roughly 1.5 gadgets out of the 7.

Notes

5 Horrigan, John. (2009) “Wireless Internet Users,” Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, Washington, DC. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/12-Wireless-Internet-Use.aspx

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The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.