Ani Petrosyan
Research expert for cybersecurity and cybercrime
Internet usage demographics in the United Kingdom (UK) - statistics & Facts
Would UK internet users be willing to give up one of the basic comforts of constant internet connection? Based on current internet usage patterns, they probably would. Furthermore, depending on age, gender, or other factors, some demographic groups would prioritize the usage of the internet more than others. But one is clear – the internet connection is essential.
Instagram was also most popular among individuals between 25 and 34 years old, with around 30 percent, followed by younger individuals aged 18-24 years, with nearly 25 percent of Instagram users in the UK.
Only a few years ago, individuals of certain demographic groups in the UK dominated the online audience. But over just a couple of years, the day-to-day lives of many people were designed around internet usage. Effectively, the gap in internet usage between certain age, socioeconomic, and gender groups has shrunk.
UK internet usage patterns by age and gender
The age group with the highest number of internet users in the United Kingdom (UK) are the individuals between 30 and 39 years old. The internet usage distribution between male and female internet users was somewhat equal. However, women were more likely to perform narrow or medium online usage, which translates to up to eight internet activities.Device usage
Smartphones were the preferred device for surfing online across all age groups in the UK, but especially those between 25 and 54 years old. Furthermore, tablet devices were most popular among individuals aged between 65 and 74 years, while those 75 years and older represented the highest number of laptop users. Among gender groups, smartphones were again the main device to connect, moreover, female users were more likely than men to use laptops.Social media usage demographics in the United Kingdom (UK)
The usage of social networks is one of the key characteristics of internet use. In the United Kingdom, the highest share of social media users was among 30- to 49-year-olds. Facebook’s largest audience as of January 2025 were women between 25 and 34 years old, with almost 13 percent of all users. Meanwhile, male users aged 65 and older had the lowest share of Facebook users.Instagram was also most popular among individuals between 25 and 34 years old, with around 30 percent, followed by younger individuals aged 18-24 years, with nearly 25 percent of Instagram users in the UK.
Usage of mobile apps
Depending on their lifestyle and priorities, internet users prefer to use different apps. This also shapes the patterns of online usage. The usage of mobile apps in the UK was slightly more common among women than men. As of 2024, the average number of mobile apps used by women was 39, compared to 37 among men. With the average number of 43 apps, individuals between 25 and 44 were the leading age group by the number of used mobile apps.Only a few years ago, individuals of certain demographic groups in the UK dominated the online audience. But over just a couple of years, the day-to-day lives of many people were designed around internet usage. Effectively, the gap in internet usage between certain age, socioeconomic, and gender groups has shrunk.
Ani Petrosyan
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Jun 13, 2025
Ani Petrosyan
Research expert for cybersecurity and cybercrime
