Mobile phone use continues to change dramatically with the proliferation of smartphones. Everyone’s favorite pastime, social networking, is a huge beneficiary. TNS has the results of a consumer survey showing just how much mobile social networking has grown. According to the report, 19 percent of users now use their phones to access social networks, putting it nearly on par with downloading apps and playing games.
That’s a big shift in just a year, as TNS tracked 12 percent of users turning to their phones for social networking a year ago. Other big gainers TNS found: video, blogging, apps and banking. These all trail the more widespread phone activities that are stagnating, such as ringtone and graphics downloads. See the full study here.

More in Media
Le Monde blocked the bots. Now it’s working out what to do about paying readers showing up as agents
June 17, 2026
Le Monde is “figuring out” how to maintain its subscription partnership with readers who use AI agents rather than its homepage or app.
Cannes is becoming ‘a Super Bowl moment’ for creators: How they’re storming the French Riviera
June 17, 2026
Cannes Lions 2026 is gearing up to be the advertising industry event’s biggest bet on creators yet.
The Rundown: AI clones split the creator economy
June 12, 2026
Unauthorized AI voice clones and authorized digital twins are splitting the creator economy in half as brands, lawyers, and talent take stock.