Falling desktop internet use an ill omen for PC makers

The Wall Street Journal reports that desktop internet use is falling.

The amount of time people spend accessing the Internet from desktop devices is showing signs of decline, according to online measurement specialist comScore.

Data from the research company indicate overall time spent online in the U.S. from desktop devices—which include laptop computers—has fallen for the past four months, on a year-over-year basis. It dipped 9.3% in December 2015, 7.6% in January, 2% in February and 6% in March.

This data supports the theory that users are switching from desktop to mobile browsing. The Wall Street Journal focuses on the implications of this for media companies and others hoping to attract online readers. Among other matters, they need to optimise the web experience for smaller screens held in a portrait orientation.

Putting this drop into perspective

That’s important, but there’s something else.

Desktop internet use doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If people are browsing the web less from laptops and PCs, then it’s logical to assume they are doing less of everything else computer-related from these devices.

That overall use is switching from desktops and laptops to mobile devices. Phones are now our primary devices. From this data it seems we are now past the tipping point.

And that helps explains why consumers are buying fewer computers; they are no longer central to our digital existence.