A new report from the Pew Research Center on Internet, Science & Tech focuses on US smartphone usage in 2015 -- http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/. Obviously, smartphones have become an important way Americans communicate, as well as access and share information. The report describes attitudes and behaviors of smartphone owners and how they have become for many the primary device used to access the Internet. In summary, six facts about Americans and their smartphones include:
1. Smartphone ownership has increased significantly since 2011; 65% of Americans now own a smartphone vs. 35% in 2011
2. Some smartphone owners, particularly younger adults, minorities and lower income Americans depend on their smartphone of Internet access
3. Americans are using them for texting, talking, emailing, going online, social networking, taking photos, videos and news.
4. Smartphones are being used to navigate an array of information such as health conditions, new jobs, etc.
5. 46% of smartphone owners say they can’t live without them
6. Owning them isn’t cheap, 23% of owners have had to cancel or suspend their cell phone service due to cost.
An interesting report, which leaves little doubt as to their importance for communicating, sharing information, and learning.
-- Dan Cotton