How much do people use digital technologies?

Over the past few years, digital technologies such as the Internet, cell phones and other mobile devices have risen in importance in people's estimation of needs, said Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

How pervasive is their use? Take a look at some statistics from the past few years:

More than 79 percent of American adults use the Internet.

60 percent of American teens "own" a laptop or desktop computer.

65 percent of American adults pay monthly bills for the Internet while 74 percent pay for cell phone service. Housing is the only bill adults said they pay as often.

More than 70 percent of American teens have a cell phone.

74 percent of teens own an iPod or mp3 player

SOURCE: Pew Internet & American Life Project