Propelled by the growth of Facebook Inc. and LinkedIn Corp., social networks are now more popular than emailing on the internet, according to a Nielsen study.
Nielsen said “member communities” are now at 67 percent participation while email is at 65 percent.
The study found that of internet users throughout the world, two-thirds visited a social networking site last year. Of those Palo Alto Calif.-based Facebook is the leader, with visits every month by 3 of every 10 Internet users, the Nielsen study reports.
In fact, Facebook had a 168 percent increase in users, the study said, while Mountain View, Calif.-based LinkedIn had a 137 percent increase.
The biggest growth spurt for Facebook has been in the category of users from 35 to 49 years of age.
Tags: campaigns, email, facebook, internet, online marketing, social media, web, web 2.0
The Nielson study found that only 65% of internet users use email? Or am I misunderstanding? If this is correct that’s a bit shocking. I wonder if they have historical numbers? Is the percentage on the way down as a result of social networks…or is has the percentage of email users been around 65% historically?
In any event…social networks are making an impact. We’re starting to see a convergence of email/instant messaging/online forums/etc taking shape. It’ll be fun to watch the evolution as it happens.
If you think about it, internet users actually “sign up” to become members of social networks which indicates an affintiy to that network. In additon, as you invite “connections” and “friends” etc to join your network, one tends to be more comfortable receiveng messages from those people.