A report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar states that online learning is the least popular activity among internet users in India, that is, the use of internet for online learning is decreasing very little. According to the data of the report, only 3 percent of internet users in the country are using online learning platforms. In contrast, they are spending both their internet and time on OTT videos and music, online communication and social media.
The use of OTT video and music content, online communication (such as chat, email, and calls) and social media are the most common forms of online learning in both urban and rural areas. According to the report, online learning includes the use of educational resources, attending school or college classes, and skill development programs through online platforms or apps. Although the number of internet users has increased, the decline in online learning is steadily increasing.
What is the most common work being done on the internet?
- Internet use for communication: 75 percent of users use the Internet for communication purposes such as chatting, emailing, or calling.
- Social media: 74 percent of users are active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Online Gaming: 54 percent of users are interested in online gaming.
- OTT Content: Audio and video content such as videos, music, and podcasts are the most consumed content. Users stream on platforms such as YouTube, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Gaana.
Expansion of Internet usage
According to a new report, India will have 900 million users by the end of 2025, with rural areas contributing the most. Currently, rural areas account for 55 percent of the country’s total internet users. The growth rate of internet usage in rural areas is double that of urban areas. 53 percent of users are men, while the share of women is 47 percent.
State-wise internet usage
- Highest internet usage: Kerala (72%), Goa (71%) and Maharashtra (70%).
- Lowest internet usage: Bihar (43%), Uttar Pradesh (46%) and Jharkhand (50%).
Average internet usage time
Indian internet users spend an average of 90 minutes a day online, with urban users spending slightly more time online than rural users. The report also emphasises that there is a need for greater adoption of online learning to bridge the educational gap in the digital age.
