General Internet Usage Survey Template

This general internet usage survey template asks adults about access, common online activities, and tasks they find difficult. Use the answers to plan digital support without assuming that everyone has the same devices or connection.

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This general internet usage survey template asks adults about access, common online activities, and tasks they find difficult. Use the answers to plan digital support without assuming that everyone has the same devices or connection.

Being online does not necessarily mean someone can complete every task they need to do. This SurveyLegend questionnaire separates access, use, and requested support so those different needs remain visible.

When to use this survey

Use it before changing how a community service shares information or handles routine tasks online. Define the audience and invite people through offline channels as well as online ones. An online-only invitation will miss some of the people whose access needs you want to understand.

7 questions for your general internet usage survey

Think about your internet use during the past 30 days, whether on a phone, computer, tablet or another device. All questions are optional. If you do not use the internet, select the relevant option or skip a question. Do not share passwords, account details or private browsing information.

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SurveyLegend demo Question 1 of 7

General Internet Usage Survey

01 During the past 30 days, how often did you use the internet?

Choose one answer, or skip this question.

02 Which device did you use most often to access the internet?

Choose one answer, or skip this question.

03 How often could you get an internet connection when you wanted one?

Choose one answer, or skip this question.

04 Which activity was your main reason for using the internet?

Choose one answer, or skip this question.

05 What most limited your internet use?

Choose one answer, or skip this question.

06 What online task, if any, would you like help completing?

Share your answer, or skip this question.

07 What would make online services easier for you to use?

Share your answer, or skip this question.

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Customize your general internet usage survey

Keep the same 30-day period across questions. Adjust activity choices only when needed for your service audience, and preserve an option for nonusers. Do not interpret choosing a smartphone as a lack of skill. Collect specific support requests through a separate contact process if follow-up is needed.

Printable general internet usage survey

Offer the blank questionnaire through a community desk, appointment or other appropriate offline setting. An interviewer may read questions neutrally when needed. Record the response mode without collecting unnecessary identity details, and keep wording consistent across paper and online versions.

First page of the printable General Internet Usage Survey Template with questions and answer spaces
Download General Internet Usage Survey Template (PDF)

Create your general internet usage survey with AI

Copy this prompt into an AI assistant to draft the questions. Review the draft, then build and customize the survey in SurveyLegend before sharing.

Copy the prompt into an AI assistant to draft the questions, then build your survey in SurveyLegend.

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How to use the answers

Report access and use separately. Someone may use the internet daily yet have unreliable access or need help with a particular task. Group open-ended data by requested task or service change. These self-reports do not measure actual connection speed, observed skill or the needs of people your recruitment did not reach.

Van Deursen and van Dijk’s 2019 study examined internet access beyond having a connection, including “access to devices and peripherals”. The digital access study informs the separate questions about devices and practical limitations. Its Dutch survey setting does not represent every community, and this original questionnaire is not a validated internet-skills scale.

Frequently asked questions

Should nonusers be included?

Yes, when the goal is to understand a community’s access and support needs. Offer an offline way to respond and retain nonuser options.

Does this measure digital literacy?

No. It asks about reported use and support needs. Demonstrating skill would require a suitable assessment.

Should the form ask which websites people visit?

This version uses broad activities. Avoid collecting private browsing histories or account information when they are not needed for the planning task.