Ofcom’s regular research into adults’ media literacy gives detailed evidence on media use, attitudes and understanding among UK adults aged 16+. It covers TV, radio, mobile phones, games, and the internet, with a particular focus on the latter.
Media literacy enables people to have the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to make full use of the opportunities presented both by traditional and by new communications services. Media literacy also helps people to manage content and communications, and protect themselves and their families from the potential risks associated with using these services.
Adults' media use and attitudes
This report examines adults’ media literacy. It provides evidence on media use, attitudes and understanding among UK adults aged 16 and over. It focuses on the current wave of research which was conducted in autumn 2018 and looks at any changes over time. This report also draws on our qualitative Adults’ Media Lives research and quantitative Technology Tracker.
Adults’ Media Lives is a 14-year ethnographic video qualitative study which aims to give a human face to the data. The study tracks the evolution of individuals’ relationship with digital media, from use to understanding and concerns. Using a small sample of 19 people, this study it is not a nationally representative sample and the results should be taken as indicative and illustrative.
Adults' media use and attitudes
This report examines adults’ media literacy. It provides detailed evidence on media use, attitudes and understanding among adults aged 16+. It focuses on the current wave of research which was conducted in autumn 2017, and looks at any changes since 2016.
Adults’ Media Lives is a 13-year ethnographic video qualitative study which aims to give a human face to the data. The study tracks the evolution of individuals’ relationship with digital media, from use to understanding and concerns. Using a small sample of 19 people, this study it is not nationally representative sample and the results should be taken as indicative and illustrative.
Internet use and attitudes - 2017 metrics bulletin (PDF, 1.5 MB)
The three reports below were published at the same time this year. Given their complementary nature, this suite of media literacy research provides a comprehensive overview of media literacy today that includes both qualitative and quantitative findings.
Adults' media use and attitudes report
The Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes Report looks at the role that media plays in people’s daily lives. This is the 12th version of the report, providing a valuable longitudinal quantitative study looking at media use, attitudes and understanding.
Media Lives: a qualitative study: summary report
Adults’ Media Lives is a 12-year ethnographic video qualitative study which aims to give a human face to the data. The study tracks the evolution of individuals’ relationship with digital media, from use to understanding and concerns. Using a small sample of 19 people, this study it is not nationally representative sample and the results should be taken as indicative and illustrative.
The Internet Citizens Report draws on a range of quantitative sources to give an overview of people’s online use of services and content in various citizen-orientated areas.
Internet Citizens 2014 Dec 2014
Internet use and attitudes bulletin Jul 2012
Adults’ media use and attitudes Mar 2012
How people assess online content and services Nov 2009
UK adults' media literacy: 2009 interim report Oct 2009
Not online, not included Jun 2009
Digital lifestyles: adults aged 60 and over Jun 2009
Accessing the internet at home Jun 2009
Digital lifestyles: adults aged 60 and over May 2009
Digital lifestyles: Young adults aged 16-24 May 2009
Media Literacy audit: digital lifestyles: Hesitants, Resistors and Economisers Apr 2009
Citizens' digital participation Mar 2009
Report of the Digital Britain Media Literacy Working Group, 27 March 2009 Mar 2009
Review of Ofcom's media literacy programme 2004-08 Dec 2008
Media literacy audit: media literacy of UK adults from ethnic minority groups Sep 2008
Media literacy audit: report on UK adults' media literacy May 2008
Annex 3: media literacy audit: report on UK adults by platform May 2008
Social networking Apr 2008
Consumer engagement with digital communications services Jul 2006
Media literacy audit: report on media literacy among older people Apr 2006
Media literacy audit: report on media literacy among adults from minority ethnic groups Apr 2006
Media literacy audit: report on media literacy among older people Apr 2006
Media literacy audit: report on the media literacy of disabled people Apr 2006
Media literacy audit - report on adults' media literacy Mar 2006
