How are Canadians staying connected?

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Release date: October 29, 2019

Infographic: How are Canadians staying connected?
Description: How are Canadians staying connected?

How are Canadians staying connected?

91% of Canadians used the Internet it 2018

Of those users,

  • 78% sent messages using an instant messaging app
  • 52% made online voice calls or video calls
  • 75% used social networking websites or apps

Canadians used social media to connect in many ways!

  • Keep up to date with the activities of friends and family: 81%
  • Communicate with friends and family: 80%
  • Share thoughts, pictures or videos with friends and family: 57%
  • Share thoughts, pictures or videos publicly: 25%

But using social media can come with challenges

  • 35% stayed online longer than they anticipated
  • 20% reported less physical activity because of their use of social media
  • 12% felt envious of the lives of others

Canadians are very fond of their smartphones!

Did you know that 88% of Canadians had a smartphone?

  • 98% of those aged 15-24 years old had a smartphone
  • 60% of those aged 65 and over had a smartphone

In a typical day:

  • 45% checked it at least every 30 minutes
  • 56% checked it right before going to bed
  • 54% used it while watching TV
  • 21% used it while eating dinner

Did you know that 23% of Canadians reported taking a break from using the Internet or decreased their time spent on the Internet in 2018?

Note: Data presented are for individuals aged 15 and over living in the Canadian provinces who have used the Internet in the past three months.

Source: Canadian Internet Use Survey, 2018.

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