Final answer:
Consumers are increasingly using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for internet access, which has led to changes in the way news is consumed and a digital divide in how different demographic groups access online services.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers are using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers instead of PCs to tap into wireless networks. This shift is part of the broader trend of personal computing evolving from shared desktop computers to individual relationships with technology. Smartphones with Internet capability have become widespread, allowing people to access social media, news, and other online services from virtually anywhere. The Pew Research Center's data illustrates a digital divide where certain minority groups are more likely to access the internet solely through their smartphones, which can limit the execution of online tasks requiring a larger screen or more computing power, such as updating a résumé or filling out job applications. This reliance on smartphones is also seen in the context of news consumption, with the majority of U.S adults reported to use their smartphones or tablets, in part, to access news. This has impacted traditional media consumption, with more people turning to digital sources for their daily news intake, leading to a decline in print, radio, and television news readership.