London, December 10, 2025
Global internet usage remains robust in 2025, with average daily online time slightly lower than pandemic peaks but still significantly above pre-pandemic levels, according to recent data tracking billions of users worldwide.
Sustained High Daily Online Engagement
In 2025, adult internet users spend an average of approximately 6 hours and 38 minutes online daily. While this figure represents a modest decline from the peak usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains markedly higher than levels reported before the global health crisis. For context, average daily internet time prior to 2020 hovered significantly lower, and a decade ago was closer to 90 minutes per day.
This sustained engagement reflects the deepening integration of digital activities into daily life, including work, social interaction, entertainment, and information consumption. The slight reduction compared to pandemic highs signals a stabilization rather than a reversion to previous norms.
Continued Growth in Global Internet Penetration
Internet user numbers continue to grow steadily, reaching an estimated 5.56 to 6 billion users globally in early 2025. This accounts for roughly 68 to 73 percent of the world’s population, compared to around 4.9 billion users in 2022. The rising penetration marks ongoing progress in connecting regions previously underserved by digital infrastructure.
Increased access and adoption are driven by technological and infrastructural advances that facilitate connectivity in diverse geographies. Industry observers note that these trends are supported by the expansion of next-generation networks and satellite internet systems.
Mobile Devices Drive Usage Patterns
Mobile internet usage dominates, with over 95 percent of users accessing online content via smartphones. The convenience and ubiquity of mobile devices underpin the sustained high internet engagement rates. Improvements in mobile network capabilities, notably the widespread deployment of 5G technology, enable richer multimedia experiences and bandwidth-heavy applications, contributing to prolonged user sessions.
Mobile connectivity enhancements also facilitate the inclusion of populations in remote or previously disconnected areas, supporting both personal and professional digital activities.
Implications for Business, Policy, and Society
The persistence of elevated internet usage has multifaceted implications. For businesses, the data underscores a substantial and stable digital audience, influencing strategies around e-commerce, advertising, and remote work infrastructure. Policymakers face ongoing challenges and opportunities related to digital equity, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
Academics and informed global citizens can draw insights regarding societal changes shaped by digital behavior patterns, including shifts in communication, education, and information dissemination.
As connectivity continues to broaden, fueled by innovations in network technology and device accessibility, the global population’s reliance on and interaction with online environments is likely to remain a defining feature of contemporary life.