Brighton and Hove named UK’s fourth most screen-obsessed area, according to new study

A new study by Ink Digital has analysed figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to reveal which regions are the most internet-savvy or perhaps just the most screen-obsessed.

Researchers examined online usage across 174 areas of the UK, looking at how many people had accessed the internet over a three-month period. The results paint a fascinating picture of our digital habits and reveal some surprising top performers.

Brighton and Hove has ranked in fourth place among the UK’s most internet-connected areas, with an impressive 97.7% of residents logging on over a three-month period. Known for its buzzing creative scene, tech start-ups, and sea-view remote working spots, the city’s digital credentials are clearly more than just a vibe – they’re a fact. Whether it’s residents jumping on Zoom calls from beachfront cafés or livestreaming local gigs, Brighton and Hove’s online engagement is nearly unmatched.

Just ahead of Brighton in the rankings is Chorley and West Lancashire, where 97.9% of people reported internet use, while Croydon took the top spot overall with a staggering 99.1%. Camden and the City of London followed in second place at 98.3%, reflecting the capital’s continued dominance in the digital sphere. Other top-performing areas include the Kent Thames Gateway and the Scottish Borders, both with 97.6%, showing that strong connectivity isn’t limited to big cities. Bexley and Greenwich clocked in at 97.4%, followed by the Heart of Essex at 97.3%, Redbridge and Waltham Forest at 97.2%, and both Haringey and Islington as well as Lewisham and Southwark at 96.9%, rounding off a well-connected top ten.

On the flip side, several areas across the UK are still trailing when it comes to digital engagement. Luton comes in last, with just 77.8% of its population having used the internet during the same period, followed closely by Dumfries & Galloway at 79.1%, and Powys at 79.7%. Mid Ulster (81.9%) and South Ayrshire (82.5%) also feature among the lowest-ranking spots. Even some major urban centres such as Liverpool (84.2%) and Wolverhampton (84.3%) make the bottom ten, joined by Sandwell and Blackburn with Darwen, both at 84.6%, and the Central Valleys at 84.7%. While the majority of residents in these areas are still online, the digital divide is evident – especially when compared to the likes of Camden and Croydon, where near-total connectivity is now the norm.

Top 20 list of the UK areas with the most active internet users: