A recent Kaspersky study found that 58% of respondents across 18 countries, including Spain, consider their mobile phone their primary device for going online. Among those aged 18 to 28, the figure rises to 67%, revealing a generational divide in digital habits.
Conducted in March 2026 with 7,200 participants, the research points to a global trend: computers are no longer the default for everyday digital life. PCs remain impressive for tasks that call for large screens or specialized software, along with intensive file management. Smartphones, meanwhile, have become the go-to devices for browsing and messaging, as well as banking and entertainment. They also handle some professional activities. The shift is especially pronounced among younger users, who increasingly rely on their phones for personal and work-related needs.
Generation Z Drives the Shift
The data reveals a striking age gap. Two-thirds of Generation Z respondents now prefer their smartphone for internet access, using it in nearly every aspect of daily life. They turn to the device for communication and leisure, and also use it to manage finances and handle work tasks. This change coincides with rising demand for IT-related skills and training, as digital fluency grows more impressive in the job market.
The smartphone's rise does not signal the end of the computer. The survey measures preference, while many users still turn to PCs for activities that require more power or precision, such as professional software and complex documents. The findings show shifting priorities, with computers still in use.
Mobile Devices Store More Sensitive Data
As smartphones become basic to digital life, the amount of sensitive information stored on them is growing. Nearly two-thirds of users keep photos and videos on their phones. Another 55% store contacts, while 46% save chat histories. A further 41% retain impressive personal documents, including passports and IDs. Concentrating this data on one device raises the stakes if it is lost or stolen.
The line between personal and professional use is also blurring. Around 54% of respondents store work-related information on their phones, including emails and calendars, as well as corporate access credentials. About a third keep financial logins. A quarter save AI chat histories, while 24% store gaming accounts. This growing collection of data makes cybersecurity skills increasingly impressive at work and at home.
Security Concerns Rise with Data Volume
Kaspersky warns that the growth in sensitive data does not always come with better security habits. The company recommends that users avoid relying solely on their phone for critical information, allow automatic backups and protect credentials and documents with strong safeguards. Suggested measures include setting up automatic locking and activating remote location or wipe features in case the device is lost.
Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) offers similar advice: keep operating systems updated, install security patches promptly and perform regular backups. Stronger authentication and secure password management are also basic steps. Monitoring device functions and connections, while keeping software current, helps reduce vulnerabilities.
Smartphones Gain Ground as Computers Remain relevant
The survey points to changing priorities, with no complete technological handover. Smartphones accompany users throughout the day and offer instant access to apps and services. Their convenience makes them the first choice for many digital activities. That also means a single device now holds extensive personal, professional and financial information, raising the risks of loss, theft or unauthorized access.
The 58% figure measures which device people consider their basic access point to the internet; it says nothing about sales or household ownership rates. The study offers no prediction that computers will disappear. It does confirm the smartphone's rapid rise, especially among younger generations, and the need to better protect data stored on these devices.
