Globally, four in ten to six in ten online adults are working full-time or part-time. The use of online devices has broadened well beyond employed persons to include adults with a wide variety of employment statuses: retired, students, self-employed, unemployed, or otherwise not employed outside of the home. Among the countries surveyed, the US has the lowest share of online adults employed full-time or part-time.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults employed full-time or part-time. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0219_empl] in TUP Lenses: User Profile; Households
The top American page makers
The most active users of printers are generations in the middle, even while overall printer penetration is higher among earlier generations. Older millennial Americans have the very highest share of those who print more than 100 pages per month. Socioeconomic groups with higher incomes, further educational attainment, or children in the household include some of the busiest printer users.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of Americans printing 100 or more pages per month, split by generation and detailing penetration among many historically advantaged and disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0202_page] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Youth using used smartphones
Economic pressures have supported younger adults, often with lower employment rates and limited funds, in turning toward acquiring technology from friends, family, or the refurbished device market. Refurbished or used smartphones are more widely used in the UK than in many other countries. Usage is especially high among adults aged 18 to 24 as compared to other age groups, a finding that is consistent across the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, and China. Generally, the use of a used/refurbished smartphone shrinks with age.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of smartphone users who are using a used/refurbished smartphone by country. Report [TUP_doc_2024_0121_yref] in TUP Lenses: Devices; Mobile Phones; User Profile
Used and refurbished computer market health and youth
The market for used or refurbished computers is healthy, steady, and widespread. It is a common and ongoing practice among adults in the US, Germany, UK, and Japan. There is a youthful skew, especially among younger Americans.
This MetaFAQ reports on the percentage of home PCs acquired as used or refurbished, split by country and user age group.
Younger tech domination fading to growing number of seniors
One of the fastest growing populations online, especially in the US, are adults aged 55 and up. This group exceeds 81 million Americans in 2023, up from 63 million in 2017–growth of more than 25%.
This MetaFAQs reports on the number and percentage of online adults that are aged 55 and over in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1230_sent] in TUP Lenses: User Profile
Youth versus experience: the new/used computer divide
Employers are saddling younger adults with used/refurbished computers. Over one-third of American adults aged 18 to 24 actively using an employer-provided PC are using one previously used by someone else. In the UK, that rate among younger adults is nearly as high. Older adults don’t have as high a rate.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of PC users actively using a used/refurbished computer by computer ownership and age group within the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1101_used] in TUP Lenses: PCs; Mobile Phones; User Profile
Younger techies dominate? Seniors beg to differ
Younger techies dominate? Seniors beg to differ – Seniors, those aged 55 and above, represent a significant portion of online adults and bring a rich history of technological experience. Their journey began with enhancements in landlines and the dawn of pricey, less reliable mobile phones. They witnessed PCs evolve from hobbyist creations to essential tools for work, education, and daily tasks. Television expanded from just a few networks to the vastness of cable, with streaming emerging more recently in their tech narrative. This demographic adapted as technology milestones like the Apple II, email’s surge, and the decline of paper maps. Their long-standing tech experience offers a unique perspective and challenges the notion that younger generations solely drive technological innovation.
This MetaFAQs reports on the number of online adults aged 55 and over in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1013_seni] in TUP Lenses: User Profile
Printer usage by American socioeconomic groups
Fewer Americans are using a printer, although the distribution is not even. Most groups of traditionally advantaged Americans continue to have the highest active penetration rates, while usage among the traditionally disadvantaged has faded.
This MetaFAQs profiles American online adults using a printer by their employment status and age group, life stage, age group, and generational age group.
Home gaming notebook/laptop usage & plans by socioeconomic groups
Home gaming laptops/notebooks have persisted as a small yet steady niche among online Americans. Since 2018, 2% of online Americans have regularly used a gaming laptop, and this number is strongly skewed toward young Americans.
This MetaFAQs reports on the penetration of gaming laptops with a detailed trend from 2018 through 2022. Research results are split by age group, generation, socioeconomic groups, and life stage. Furthermore, this report includes analysis of purchase plans for the next 12 months.
Home gaming desktop usage & plans by socioeconomic groups
Home gaming desktops have persisted as a steady niche among online Americans. Since 2018, 4% to 6% of online Americans have regularly used a gaming desktop, and this group is strongly skewed toward young Americans.
This MetaFAQs reports on the penetration of gaming desktops with a detailed trend from 2018 through 2022. Research results are split by age group, generation, socioeconomic groups, and life stage. Furthermore, this report includes analysis of purchase plans for the next 12 months.