• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechMedia

85% of U.S. Adults Read the News on a Mobile Device

By
David Z. Morris
David Z. Morris
By
David Z. Morris
David Z. Morris
June 18, 2017, 5:19 PM ET

Are you reading this article on your smartphone? Probably, according to a recent survey—even if you’re over 65.

A Pew survey released last week found that 85% of U.S. adults now get their news on a mobile device at least some of the time, up from 72% last year and 54% in 2013.

Perhaps surprisingly, the biggest increase came from older Americans. Sixty-seven percent of those over 65 years of age reported using their phone or tablet for new, according to the survey, up from just 43% last year and only 22% in 2013.

Growth rates were similar for those aged 50 to 64.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

Growth rates for readers under 50 were much smaller, mostly because they were already so high. Ninety-four percent of Americans aged 18-49 now read news on mobile devices.

The broad growth of media consumption on mobile devices continues to reshape the media and advertising landscape. This year, advertising spend on mobile platforms surpassed spending on desktop (or “display”) advertising for the first time.

Though more older folks are reading news on mobile devices, many still prefer to read on a desktop or laptop when available. Pew found that while around two-thirds of under-50s would freely choose reading on a mobile device over a PC, 43% of those aged 50-64 like desktop reading better, as do 51% of those over 65.

About the Author
By David Z. Morris
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.