The 2017 global digital report indicates that over half of the world's population, approximately 3.75 billion people, are now using the internet, with an 8% increase in users year-on-year. Mobile phones account for more than half of all web traffic, and there has been significant growth in social media use, with over 2.5 billion active mobile social users globally. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating digital and social marketing strategies into brand communications to leverage the opportunities presented by increased connectivity.