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
How Time and others are rebuilding parts of the web for AI agents
July 1, 2026
Publishers are preparing for the agentic web by creating AI-friendly versions of their sites to stay discoverable in AI search.
The Economist launches new audio and video tier targeting younger subscribers
July 1, 2026
The Economist has launched a lower-priced audio and video subscription to attract younger readers, called Economist Play.
OpenX hunts new CEO after parting ways with Matt Sattel as chief executive
June 30, 2026
The ad tech company is switching leaders, ending the current CEO’s five-month term in office.