As of 2023, the estimated number of internet users worldwide was 5.4 billion, up from 5.3 billion in the previous year. This share represents 67 percent of global population.
Internet access around the world
Easier access to computers, the modernization of countries worldwide, and increased utilization of smartphones have allowed people to use the internet more frequently and conveniently. However, internet penetration often pertains to the current state of development regarding communications networks. As of January 2023, there were approximately 1.05 billion total internet users in China and 692 million total internet users in the United States.
Online activities
Social networking is one of the most popular online activities worldwide, and Facebook is the most popular online network based on active usage. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were over 3.07 billion monthly active Facebook users, accounting for well more than half of the internet users worldwide. Connecting with family and friends, expressing opinions, entertainment, and online shopping are amongst the most popular reasons for internet usage.
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023
(in millions)
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ITU. (November 27, 2023). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in millions)." Chart. November 27, 2023. Statista. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. (2023). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 11, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of Internet Users Worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Nov 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU, Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/ (last visited December 11, 2024)
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2023 (in millions) [Graph], ITU, November 27, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/