ChatGPT, social networks, e-commerce… the world is ever more connected 🌐

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The Digital Report 2025, published on February 5, 2025, by We Are Social, provides a detailed overview of the evolution of the internet worldwide. According to this study, 5.56 billion people are now connected, representing 67.9% of the global population. However, despite this growth, 2.63 billion people remain unconnected.

Steady growth 📊

On one hand, internet access continues to become more widespread. Over the past year, 136 million new users have joined the web. This increase is mainly driven by emerging countries, where the adoption of digital technologies is accelerating.

On the other hand, the digital divide remains a reality. While some countries enjoy fast and stable connections, others still struggle to access efficient infrastructure. For instance, mobile download speeds now exceed 250 Mbps in three Gulf countries. Moreover, 26 countries report speeds above 100 Mbps. Conversely, Africa lags behind. In South Africa, the median connection speed is 51.43 Mbps, in Morocco 45.18 Mbps, in Egypt 24.17 Mbps, and in Nigeria only 18.91 Mbps. Thus, although the number of internet users is growing, inequalities in internet access persist across different regions of the world.

Chatgpt: the AI giant 🤖

Additionally, the report highlights ChatGPT’s dominance in the AI sector. Between September and November 2024, OpenAI’s chatbot mobile app recorded over 250 million monthly active users. Meanwhile, its website attracted 310 million unique visitors per month, generating a total of 3.5 billion visits during this period.

This rapid success reflects the widespread adoption of AI tools by the general public. More and more users are turning to these technologies to boost productivity, generate content, or interact with automated systems.

Social media keeps growing 📱

At the same time, social media usage continues to rise. YouTube remains the most-used platform at the beginning of 2025, followed by WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, in terms of engagement, Instagram leads with 16.6% of users remaining loyal. It slightly surpasses WhatsApp (16%) and Facebook (13.1%).

When it comes to time spent on an app, TikTok is far ahead. On Android, users spend an average of 35 hours per month on the platform. This confirms its strong appeal among younger generations, who favor short and interactive content.

New trends are emerging 📈

Meanwhile, certain dynamics are shaping digital usage. Interest in sports content on social media is growing rapidly. About 23.6% of adult internet users regularly search for videos or information related to sports. This trend reflects the increasing appeal of online competitions and interactive content related to sports events.

At the same time, some platforms are experiencing significant growth. For example, LinkedIn’s advertising reach increased by 17% in one year, while Pinterest grew by more than 10%. These figures highlight the diversification of digital usage and the rising role of professional and image-sharing platforms.

Over 50s: an underestimated market 🛒

Finally, the report emphasizes a point often overlooked by businesses: the influence of consumers over 50. They account for more than half of consumer spending in several major economies but remain under-targeted by brands.

Additionally, e-commerce continues to expand. Today, 56% of adults in major economies shop online weekly. This trend confirms the importance of digital in consumption habits and the need for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to new consumer expectations.

A future that is increasingly digital 🚀

In summary, the Digital Report 2025 highlights the accelerating global digital transition. Despite technological advancements and the widespread adoption of the internet, challenges remain, particularly in terms of infrastructure and equal access.

On one hand, innovations like AI and social media are reshaping digital usage. On the other, the digital divide and evolving consumer expectations require new strategies from digital players.

And you, how do you perceive the evolution of digital technology and its impact on your daily life?