Ofcom says that its Online Nation 2021 study reveals a year lived online.(1) UK adults spent more time online on desktop computers, smartphones or tablets in 2020 than adults in comparable European countries.

The study delivers a snapshot of an unprecedented year during which communication, entertainment, culture, retail, work and education moved increasingly online. UK adults spent more than three-and-a-half hours online each day in 2020, more than an hour longer than adults in Germany and France and 30 minutes more than those in Spain. Brits also spent nearly £2.45 billion on, and in, mobile apps across last year, with Tinder, Disney+, YouTube and Netflix topping the list.

The report also reveals that:

  • the United Kingdom's online shopping bill increased by almost 50% to nearly £113 billion in 2020;
  • teenagers' online purchasing power is also growing and they are now spending more money online than offline (68% online compared with 32% offline in March 2021);
  • TikTok experienced a significant growth during the pandemic, from 3 million UK adult visitors in September 2019 to 14 million by March 2021;
  • Tinder is the most popular dating app among young adults, while around half (49%) of all UK adults (26 million) visited an adult website or app in 2020;
  • despite most platforms setting their minimum user age at 13, nearly two-thirds (59%) of UK children use social media by the time they are 11; by age 15, use increases to 95%; and
  • two-thirds of boys (67%) and three-quarters of girls (77%) aged seven to 16 said that social media can cause them worries about body image.

Alongside the full report and interactive report, Ofcom has published three third-party reports designed to help it better understand people's online habits, behaviours and attitudes. These reports are:

  • Automated approaches to measuring online experiences;
  • Misinformation: a qualitative exploration; and
  • Rapid Evidence Assessment on Online Misinformation and Media Literacy.

Ofcom has also published an independent report by PA Consulting on transparency in the regulation of online platforms as part of its preparation to take on new responsibilities in the regulation of online safety.

For further information on this topic please contact Alexander Ross at Wiggin by telephone (+44 1242 224 114) or email ([email protected]). The Wiggin website can be accessed at www.wiggin.co.uk.

Endnotes

(1) To access the annual study and accompanying reports, click here.