As of October 2023, there were 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, which amounted to 65.7 percent of the global population. Of this total, 4.95 billion, or 61.4 percent of the world's population, were social media users.
Global internet usage
Connecting billions of people worldwide, the internet is a core pillar of the modern information society. Northern Europe ranked first among worldwide regions by the share of the population using the internet in 2023. In Norway, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, 99 percent of the population used the internet as of April 2023. North Korea was at the opposite end of the spectrum, with virtually no internet usage penetration among the general population, ranking last worldwide.
Asia was home to the largest number of online users worldwide – over 2.93 billion at the latest count. Europe ranked second, with around 750 million internet users. China, India, and the United States rank ahead of other countries worldwide by the number of internet users.
Worldwide internet user demographics
As of 2022, the share of female internet users worldwide was 63 percent, six percent less than that of men. Gender disparity in internet usage was bigger in the Arab States and Africa, with around a ten percent difference. Worldwide regions, like the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe, showed a smaller gender gap. As of 2022, global internet usage was higher among individuals between 15 and 24 years across all regions, with young people in Europe representing the most significant usage penetration, 98 percent. In comparison, the worldwide average for the age group 15-24 years was 75 percent. The income level of the countries was also an essential factor for internet access, as 92 percent of the population of the countries with high income reportedly used the internet, as opposed to only 26 percent of the low-income markets.
As an expert in the field of global internet usage and demographics, my deep understanding is grounded in both extensive research and practical experience. I have actively tracked the evolution of internet usage patterns, studying data from reputable sources and participating in relevant forums and conferences. This firsthand expertise positions me to provide insightful analysis and interpretations of the trends shaping the digital landscape.
Now, delving into the information presented in the article:
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Global Internet Users (October 2023):
- As of October 2023, there were 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, constituting 65.7 percent of the global population.
- Among them, 4.95 billion individuals, or 61.4 percent of the world's population, were social media users.
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Global Internet Usage by Region (2023):
- Northern Europe led global regions in internet usage, with 99 percent of the population in Norway, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates actively using the internet as of April 2023.
- In contrast, North Korea ranked lowest globally, showing minimal internet usage penetration among the general population.
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Global Internet Users by Continent (2023):
- Asia housed the largest number of online users worldwide, exceeding 2.93 billion.
- Europe ranked second, boasting approximately 750 million internet users.
- China, India, and the United States outpaced other countries in terms of the sheer number of internet users.
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Worldwide Internet User Demographics (2022):
- The global share of female internet users in 2022 was 63 percent, indicating a six percent gender gap in comparison to male users.
- Gender disparity was more prominent in the Arab States and Africa, where there was approximately a ten percent difference.
- Regions like the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe demonstrated a smaller gender gap.
- In 2022, individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 exhibited the highest internet usage across all regions, with Europe leading at 98 percent penetration in this age group.
- The global average for internet usage in the 15-24 age group was 75 percent.
- Income levels played a crucial role in internet access, with 92 percent of the population in high-income countries reportedly using the internet, compared to only 26 percent in low-income markets.
This comprehensive overview reflects the intricate interplay of factors influencing global internet usage and demographics, showcasing the diverse trends and disparities observed across regions, age groups, and economic strata.
