In 2025, there will be 900 million internet users in India. The increased use of the Internet in today’s digital world has transformed many aspects of daily life. With rapid technological advancements, more people worldwide are gaining access to online platforms, reshaping communication, commerce, entertainment, education, and more.
The article is based on a recent report “Internet in India Report 2024” by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar. How will the internet take India by the storm and know more the trending patterns of how internet is used by the urban and rural population in this article in detail.
- The number of internet users in India will cross 900 million in 2025
- Rural India accounts for 55% of India’s total internet population
- 47% of internet users now being India women, highest proportion ever.
- Out of total, 26% of individuals also have expressed disinterest in internet usage
Rural Vs Urban Usage
According to research report, 55% of India’s total internet population is from the rural India. The urban population ranks behind with just 45% of internet users. There can be multiple reasons for this. While on the other side, the urban user spends 90 minutes per day on an average.
26% internet users are uninterested
The report highlights that 41% of people in India do not access the Internet. Of this group, 26% are uninterested in using the network, 25% are unaware of its benefits, and 23% do not have a network connection at home. This shows a variety of reasons for the lack of internet access, including lack of interest, awareness, and infrastructure.
Preference of entertainment on internet
As per the report, the Internet is primarily used for entertainment, with over 7.3 crore individuals spending time on OTT video platforms and listening to music. In comparison, participation in online learning is significantly lower, with only 2.4 crore individuals engaging in e-learning activities. This highlights a preference for leisure and entertainment over educational use of the Internet, which could point to gaps in digital literacy or access to online education resources.
Local-language on digital platforms preferred
The report underscores the significance of Indic languages in influencing online behavior, with nearly 98% of users engaging with content in local languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Additionally, 57% of urban internet users prefer content in regional languages, reflecting a growing demand for local-language digital platforms. This trend highlights a broader nationwide shift towards more inclusive and accessible online experiences, as developers and content creators prioritize language localization and cultural relevance to cater to diverse, first-time internet users.
Positive Takeaway
The trending patterns of internet usage reflect how India is marching ahead in the digital age. The clear and concise growth of rural population also is the indicator of good internet connectivity and upliftment of the remote areas.
