The Internet and Digital Technology

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Release date: November 14, 2017
Infographic: The Internet and Digital Technology
Description: The Internet and Digital Technology

How do Canadians perceive technology?

  • Helps to communicate with other people: 77%
  • Saves time: 66%
  • Helps to make more informed decisions: 52%
  • Helps to be more creative: 36%

Top 10 devices owned

  • Smart phone: 76%
  • Laptop or netbook: 71%
  • Tablet or e-reader: 54%
  • Desktop computer: 50%
  • Digital video camera or camera other than smart phone: 48%
  • GPS device (standalone/portable or dash-mounted): 41%
  • Video game console: 39%
  • Internet-enabled smart television: 33%
  • Set-top or USB device for accessing the Internet from a television: 25%
  • Non-smart cellular phone: 16%

Nearly all Canadians under the age of 45 use the Internet every day.

Internet usage by age group
Age Daily A few times a week Did not use Internet in the past month
15 - 24 96% 2% FFootnote 1
25 - 34 96% 2% FFootnote 1
35 - 44 93% 4% 1%
45 - 54 85% 8% 4%
55 - 64 75% 11% 9%
65 - 74 61% 13% 19%
75 + 35% 8% 50%
Footnote 1

F suppressed

Return to the first footnote 1 referrer

Is life better because of technology?

Opinion on life betterment because of technology use by age group
Age Life is better as a result of technology use Use of technology makes no difference in life
15 - 24 62% 34%
25 - 34 61% 34%
35 – 44 60% 34%
45 – 54 62% 32%
55 – 64 61% 34%
65 – 74 55% 40%
75+ 38% 51%

Alberta has the highest percentage of Internet users.

Percentage of Internet users by province
Province Percentage
Newfoundland and Labrador 88%
Prince Edward Island 89%
Nova Scotia 90%
New Brunswick 86%
Quebec 89%
Ontario 92%
Manitoba 91%
Saskatchewan 90%
Alberta 94%
British Columbia 92%

Source: 2016 General Social Survey (Canadians at work and home).

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