UK's MySpace and Facebook addicts
Updated on 20 July 2007
Hardcore broadband users spend more time on virtual networking than they do on real life socialising, according to new research.
The average Briton spends 15.8 hours per week online - equivalent to 34.2 days per year, a survey of 10,500 adults found write PA.
Half of all broadband users log on to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and MSN Messenger, according to price comparison and switching site uSwitch.com.
They clock up an average three hours per week or six days a year on virtual networking - more than the average time spent online shopping or internet banking.
Networking by numbers
- 15.8 hours a week online
- 34.2 days per year online
- 11 hours a week on virtual networking
- 56 per cent of social networkers are women networking
Time spent on virtual networking time rose to 11 hours per week for 6 per cent of the survey respondents. This is equivalent to 24 days per year and exceeds the average 22 days per year which people spend on real life socialising, uSwitch said.
Women used social networking sites slightly more than men, with 56 per cent of female broadband users doing so compared to 46 per cent of the men.
Data from a 2005 survey carried out by National Statistics Online said the average amount of time people spent on social life, entertainment and culture was 22 days per year.
Steve Weller, head of communications services at uSwitch.com, said: "We are not surprised to find that the average internet user is spending nearly a week a year socialising online. Consumers from all walks of life are embracing this trend - while three quarters of those visiting social networking sites are aged 18-29 years, a third of the over 50s are also taking part in the online phenomenon."
The uSwitch findings were based on a survey of 10,513 adults in Britain carried out by YouGov in May.
This was compared to data from the National Statistics' time use survey carried out in 2005.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
