Technology and technology ownership has changed dramatically since the beginning of the decade. This is particularly true with smartphones and tablets.
In 2011, 35% of Americans owned smartphones. Today, it’s 68%. Smartphone ownership has almost doubled in such a short time. Ninety-two percent of Americans own some kind of a cellphone. In some demographics, smartphone use and ownership has about peaked out. Statistics say 86% of Americans age 18-29 have a smartphone, as do 87% of those aged 30-49. And 87% of those making over $75,000 a year have one. Tablet computer use has also skyrocket since the beginning of the 2010s. In 2010, only 3% of American adults owned a tablet. Now, that number is 45%. Tablet computer ownership has grown fifteen fold so far this decade, and shows no signs of slowing down. But these are about the only technology devices that have seen rapid increases in ownership in recent years. Other devices have either leveled off or have been in decline. For example, 40% percent of Americans own a MP3 player, compared to 47% just five years ago. E-Book readers have apparently peaked out. In 2009, 2 out of 100 Americans had one. Two years ago, that peaked to around 30%. Today, nineteen percent of Americans own e-book readers like Amazon Kindle. Desktops, laptops, and gaming consoles have remained steady in ownership this decade.
What’s to make of all this? It should be no surprise MP3 players have taken a decline. Smartphones and the iPod Touch has taken that market over. In fact, I’m surprised that many people even have MP3 players today. I am a little surprised that e-book devices have taken a decline. Maybe it’s because smartphones are seeping in that market too. Or maybe it’s because people really do miss the feeling of a good old hardback or paperback book. But just like desktops, laptop, and game consoles, smartphones and tablets will eventually peak out. That means they will no longer become trendy phenomenons but normal necessities. Or are they already?