Smartphone to be Primary Worldwide Internet Device by 2020, Experts Predict

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Smartphone to be Primary Worldwide Internet Device by 2020, Experts Predict

6:55 am on January 10, 2009 | Category: Mobile Devices, Internet, PDAs

Smartphones will continue to surge in popularity over the next few years, likely becoming the world’s primary internet connection platform by 2020, according to web analysts and business leaders surveyed by Elon University and the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

77% of respondents predicted that “the mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the internet for most people in the world in 2020,” while 64% expected more advanced touchscreen and voice-activated controls in the smartphones of the future.

There was some disagreement, however, on whether increased mobile internet connectivity would lead to increased social tolerance, with a majority (56%) saying it wouldn’t. Only 45% agreed with the statement that more connectivity would heighten individual integrity and forgiveness.

“A strong undercurrent of anxiety runs through these experts’ answers: They are quite sure the internet and cell phones will continue to advance at an amazing clip, but they are not at all sure people will make the same kind of progress as they embrace better, faster, cheaper gadgets,” commented Lee Rainie of the Pew Internet & American Life Project. “The picture they paint of the future is that technology will give people the power to be stronger actors in the political and economic world, but that won’t necessarily make it a kinder, gentler world.”

Ultimately, of course, internet experts need only look at history to see that even the greatest of technological advancements cannot change the fundamentals of human nature.

A detailed report on the survey’s findings can be found at http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/predictions/2008_survey.pdf.