- Report
- Behavioral
- Report
- Behavioral
North AmericaWestern Europe
Tech / Device Usage Report
Young consumers are still glued to their core devices—but how they discover, buy, and use tech is changing. Social media has become a powerful word-of-mouth engine, especially for 18-24-year-olds, who are increasingly influenced by social ads, in-feed content, and creator endorsements. And after years of slow uptake, VR has finally found its audience: ownership among teen boys has surged, signaling a real moment for immersive social gaming. At the same time, young consumers are embracing certain vintage tech—film cameras, wristwatches, vinyl, old gaming consoles—but mainly as curated additions to their modern setups, not replacements. And nearly two-thirds say they want to go more analog this year, with unplugging a routine practice tied to mental health, focus, and overall well-being.
In YPulse’s 2026 Tech / Device Usage Report, we dive into what tech young consumers own, who and what is influencing their tech purchases, how VR is finally finding its core user, and how young consumers are unplugging to take back their time.
Download the full report for further insights
- How VR is breaking through with teen boys—and what brands can learn about lowering barriers to entry
- Why social media has become the most powerful tech-buying influence for 18-24-year-olds
- How young consumers are unplugging and wanting to go analog—without abandoning their devices
Report length: 19 pages, North America report is based on surveys of 1500 13-39-year-olds in the U.S. and Canada, fielded March 2026. Western Europe report is based on a survey of 2500 13-39-year-olds in the U.K., Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, fielded in March 2026
Additional survey content for Pro users:
The full list of tech devices and vintage / old-school tech devices young consumers own, what kinds of headphones they prefer, who and what is influencing their tech purchases, their attitudes toward technology and culture, parents’ views on kids and devices, the full list of reasons young consumers say they’ve unplugged, and more.
The Data File also includes data split by the following demographics: Gender & Generation, Age Groups, Age & Gender, Race, Ethnicity, POC, LGBTQ+, Academic Status, Family Status (including parent type), Country, Urban/Rural Status, and Household Income.