News

• Internet Use in Switzerland 2011–2019: Trends, Attitudes and Effects

  17th February 20

  The new World Internet Project – Switzerland summary report highlights major developments and trends of the past decade, based on our representative, long-term biennial studies since 2011 with more than 5500 respondents.

   

  In 2019 more people are online than ever: Today, 92% of the Swiss population use the Internet. Internet penetration in Switzerland is thus among the highest worldwide. One major trend of the 2010s has been the rise of the mobile Internet with now 80% of the population using it compared to 20% a decade ago. The number of non-users has been more than halved in the past eight years. Four out of ten non-users benefit indirectly from the Internet by having others buy something online, search for information, or write emails on their behalf.

   

  In 2019, the Internet remains the most important media source for both entertainment and information purposes and is of even greater importance in 2019 than in the years before. Overall, the self-evaluation of Internet users in Switzerland regarding their Internet skills has been remarkably stable since 2011. Women rate their Internet usage skills as poorer compared to men; nearly all 14–19-year-olds rate their skills as very good or excellent. Average usage time has doubled since 2011 and now amounts to 25 hours per week.

   

  

  Diffusion of Mobile Internet by Age 2011–2019 in Switzerland | Data basis: Swiss population 14+, WIP-CH.

   

  The Swiss population is skeptical that the Internet can improve the democratic quality of the politics in Switzerland. Surveillance possibilities prompt users to censor their self-expression and information seeking online. A majority acknowledges further risks of Internet use. Around three quarters of respondents worry that people rely too much on the Internet. Especially young users also experience digital overuse. Nevertheless, generally, digital well-being is high as Swiss Internet users rate their abilities to cope with the challenges of the digital era as high.

   

  The English-language summary report, four special reports (in German), and further information is available here.