According to the Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report released in August 2026, internet users aged 16 and above worldwide overwhelmingly favour communication and social connectivity in their online activities.
The report highlights that social networking platforms are the most visited, engaging 93.8% of global users. Messaging and chat services closely follow, accessed by 93.6%, reflecting a strong global preference for real-time interaction.
Key Online Activities and Their Reach
- Search engines and web portals: Used by 79.3% of connected adults for information discovery.
- Email services: Reach 74.4% of users, remaining essential for daily communication.
- E-commerce platforms: Including shopping, auctions, and classifieds, attract 74.2% of users.
- Navigation and location-based services: Utilised by 53.4%, covering maps and parking tools.
- Entertainment and information: Music platforms engage 46.6%, weather services 42.9%, and news outlets 40.0%.
- Personal finance: Banking, investing, and insurance platforms are used by 38.7% of users.
- Food delivery and travel services: Attract 38.4% and 36.8% respectively.
- Gaming and business tools: Gaming platforms reach 32.1%, while business and collaboration tools engage 31.2%.
- Sports platforms: Have the lowest reach at 26.3%.
The data underscores how communication-focused platforms and essential utility services continue to dominate the digital landscape globally.
