I believe that the purchase of personal computers (PCs) has evolved significantly across generations. It is not just about how much they buy, but why, what for, and how they combine it with other devices (especially smartphones). Broadly speaking, there are three key changes:
- The shift from PCs as central devices to PCs as specialised tools and work tools. Today, 99% of people use their personal computers for digital work and studies related to content creation and gaming.
- Coexistence with smartphones. The so-called ecosystem between devices is flourishing in the home, with each generation becoming more technological and domotic.
Finally, the difference between productive use vs. digital consumption.
What are the reasons for this change?
The generational shift in the purchase of personal computers (PCs) can be explained by a combination of technological, economic, cultural and digital behaviour factors. Basically, the PC ceased to be the centre of digital life because other devices took over some of its functions (email, videos, content, social networks, etc.).
Apple and the iPhone changed and pushed the PC into the background, as many tasks that were previously done on the PC are now dominated by the smartphone. The market is very competitive, but Apple is always in the lead in the North and Samsung in the South.
Which devices are most widely used by younger generations?
Among younger generations (especially Generation Z and Alpha), the use of digital devices is highly concentrated in four main types. However, not all of them play the same role; some dominate everyday use, while others are used for specific tasks.
The smartphone is the dominant device, and Generation Z spends more than five hours a day with their mobile phone in their hand. More than 90% of this generation owns one, and 95% has access to one.
The PC is classified as the device for more complex and convenient tasks. Whenever someone sits in front of a PC, it is because they need time to perform their task, and the level of quality increases.
Eighty-eight per cent of teenagers have access to a PC; every household has one, and even every educational centre has one.
In third place are consoles, many of which have been almost reinvented to become PCs, with power, graphics and evolved to be used for tasks never seen before, such as multimedia content. ‘Every teenager owns or wants to own a PS5.’
Last but not least, a device that will forever be labelled ‘dead’… the tablet. Nearly 60% of teenagers have access to one; in fact, it is a crucial device for children’s education today.
Does this change in devices and their use depending on age also imply changes in behaviour?
Yes. Changes in which devices are used and how they are used depending on age are clearly associated with changes in individual and social behaviour. It is not just a technological change: it alters how people communicate, how they learn, how they consume information and how they make decisions.
In terms of behavioural changes, we would say that the most notable could be a short message, a GIF, an emoticon or written conversations throughout the day. Before, a simple phone call could end up with four hours of conversation written in short messages. This often leads us to want to prolong the conversation with a person.
Social media and its consumption influence our behaviour and thoughts and even possible behaviours by understanding social media consumption.
The type of device also influences learning. As I said before, tablets and PCs are fully integrated into education.
What might the medium- to long-term trend be?
In the medium to long term (10–20 years), the trend is not towards one device completely replacing the others, but rather towards an ecosystem of specialised devices. The smartphone will remain central, but new forms of computing that are more integrated into everyday life will emerge.
