Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ A recent study conducted by Atlas VPN, a VPN platform based in Delaware, unveiled the digital habits of individuals worldwide, revealing that South Africans are the most avid internet users. On average, South Africans spend an astonishing 9.5 hours online per day, surpassing the global average by three hours.
The study analyzed internet usage patterns in 46 countries among individuals aged 16 to 64, gathering data from reputable sources like We Are Social and Meltwater. One of the key factors driving South Africa’s internet enthusiasm is the increasing accessibility of the web across the country and the African continent. In 2020, approximately 70% of South Africans had internet access, a number that has likely grown since then.
As of 2023, South Africa had 43.48 million internet users, representing a remarkable penetration rate of 72.3% among its population of 60.14 million. The South African government aims to achieve universal web access for all households by 2024, further fueling the digital surge.
Although South Africa’s internet speed lags behind the global average, the country has been making efforts to improve connectivity. In terms of digital quality of life, South Africa was ranked 68th globally in 2021. The country also stands out in terms of mobile and broadband internet affordability within Africa, as well as commendable mobile internet stability.
Globally, mobile internet usage has become the primary mode of connectivity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where smartphones play a crucial role in accessing the web.
The study highlighted the top reasons why South Africans spend significant time online, including seeking information, staying connected with friends and family, staying updated with news and events, watching videos, and acquiring knowledge on various subjects.
In addition to South Africa, several other countries also demonstrated considerable internet addiction. Brazil topped the list with an average daily internet usage of 9 hours and 32 minutes, followed closely by the Philippines, Argentina, and Colombia.
Furthermore, the United States and Singapore were noted for dedicating more time than the global average to internet browsing, with a daily average of 419 minutes (6 hours and 59 minutes).
Conversely, some European countries such as Denmark, Austria, and Germany spent less time online compared to the global average. East Asian countries like China and Japan also exhibited lower daily internet usage figures.
Globally, the overall average time spent online has slightly decreased by 20 minutes (4.8%) compared to 2021, potentially due to the world gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in internet usage during lockdowns and restrictions.
As technology advances and internet infrastructure improves worldwide, the global internet landscape will continue to evolve, shaping how people interact and engage with the online world.
