Oh social media, whether we’ve come to love you or hate you, you’ve found a way to nestle yourself comfortably into most of our lives. So much so that today, Social Media Day, is for you, (as if we haven’t already given you enough)… Time to push our complicated love-hate relationship to the side and take a deeper look at our connection to you.
Social media refers to digital platforms that allow users to create and share content (e.g., text-based posts, photos and videos) and online profiles, and to interact with other users. From Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, to LinkedIn, YouTube, Tinder and Flickr, social media use is prevalent across all age groups: in 2018, social media was used regularly by about 9 in 10 Canadians aged 15 to 34, 8 in 10 of those aged 35 to 49, and 6 in 10 of those aged 50 to 64.
Overall, 78% of Canadians who were regular Internet users in 2018 used at least one social networking account (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram), ranging from 68% among those in their fifties and early sixties to over 90% among those in their teens, twenties and early thirties. At any age, if used correctly, social media can be an excellent means of connecting with our friends and loved ones.
At Statistics Canada, we use social media as a tool to engage with Canadians. Connect with us through our social media platforms here: Stay connected.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).