April 29-May 30, 2010 – Cellphones

Our May 2010 survey contains questions about wireless internet use, broadband adoption and attitudes, adult text messaging habits and the use of mobile phone applications.

42% of all Americans turn to the popular collaborative encyclopedia for information online

Major trends in how different generations of Americans use the internet

35% of U.S. adults have cell phones with apps, but only 24% of adults actually use them. Apps users are younger, more educated, and more affluent than other cell phone users.

Adults make just as many calls, but text less often than teens. Americans say their mobile phones make them feel safer and more connected, but are irritated by cell intrusions and rudeness by other users.

Social networking use among internet users ages 50 and older nearly doubled—from 22% in April 2009 to 42% in May 2010.

Broadband adoption slowed dramatically in 2010, but growth among African-Americans jumped well above the national average; 53% of Americans do not think affordable broadband should be a government priority.

Six in ten Americans go online wirelessly using a laptop or cell phone; African-Americans and 18-29 year olds lead the way in the use of cell phone data applications, but older adults are gaining ground.

Adults are just as likely as teens to have texted while driving and are substantially more likely to have talked on the phone while driving.