SWS: 41% of Filipinos are Internet users

(Eagle News) — Forty-one percent of Filipinos are Internet users, a recent Social Weather Stations survey said.

According to the Third Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey done via interviews from September 15 to 23, the 41 percent is a one percent increase from the figure recorded in June.

The survey found that the proportion of Internet users increased by 4 points in Metro Manila, from 60% in June 2018.

Internet use also increased by 5 points in Balance Luzon from 42% in June to a new record-high, 47% in September.

The SWS said this surpassed the previous record of 43% in June 2017.

Internet users fell by 9 points in the Visayas, from the record-high 37% in June to 28% in September; and decreased by 2 points in Mindanao, from 29% in June.

“The proportion of Internet users has always been higher in urban areas, at 54% in September (up by 1 point from 53% in June), compared to rural areas, at 31% in September (up by 3 points from 28% in June),” the SWS said.

Geographical classes

Since it was surveyed in June 2006, the SWS said Internet use has always been highest among members of classes ABC.

The SWS said this was no different in September, with 55%.

This was, however, down by 7 points from the 62% in June 2018.

Members of Classes ABC were followed by members of Class D at 43%, and members of class E at 28%.

Between women and men, women use the Internet more than men, at 42% in September, as compared to men’s 40%.

Internet use has also always been highest among younger Filipinos: 18- to 24 year-olds, at 81% in September; followed by 25- to 34-year-olds at 65%; 35 to 44-year-olds at 44; 45- to 54-year-olds at 27%; and those 55 years old and above, at 12%.

According to the SWS, Internet use, as has always been the case, was highest among college graduates, at 73%, followed by high school graduates at 56%, elementary graduates at 26%  and non-elementary school graduates at 9%.

The September survey was based on interviews of 1,500 adults nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon, and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Sampling error margins are pegged at  ±3% for national percentages, ±4% for Balance Luzon, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.