- More than twice as many people go online to socialize (81%) than to do business (39%) or shop (31%).
- 72% of people go online just to become part of a community.
- Seniors are going online today for the same reasons younger people are; to have fun (82%) and to socialize (80%).
- More people go online to connect via a social networking site (41%) than to post comments or opinions (34%).
- More people go online to be entertained (82%) than entertain others (48%).
- People seek education and entertainment: most people go online both to learn (88%) and have fun (83%).
- Almost half of people (47%) go online to learn to improve themselves and nearly one-third (31%) to find self-help experts or books.
- The desire to learn drives people to the Internet; top areas are new subjects (68%), the world (65%), a disease or condition (61%), eating healthier (55%) and managing finances (37%).
- Three times as many people go online to compare prices (66%) rather than people via dating sites (21%).
- One-third of people (34%) go online to purchase an item; tops are household items (49%), electronics (45%); music (35%), movies (29%), and school/work supplies (29%).
- More men (42%) than women (36%) go online to do business.
- 55% of women go online to find venues for personal expression compared to only 43% of men.
- 44% of people go online to create or update blogs and 42% of people go online to read other people's blogs.
- Nearly half (48%) go online to be invisible on instant messaging, 29% to create an avatar and 28% to be somewhat different.
- Women (48%) are much more likely than men (39%) to go online to advocate for an issue or position.
Date Published:7/5/2009
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