Users Prefer Social Networks over E-mail

Until now, checking e-mails was one of the most regular activities on the Web. But the recent study conducted by Nielsen Online has revealed some startling results in favour of social networking and blogs. According to the research firm, ‘member communities’ are accessed by 67 percent of the online audience, becoming the fourth most popular Web category, behind search, portals and PC software, and ahead of personal e-mail.

John Burbank, CEO at Nielsen Online believes that social networking has become a fundamental part of the global online experience. The results, which are based on December 2008 data, suggest that social networking has become a more convenient way of keeping in touch than email. The fact that blogging and social networking has exploded in popularity in a short span of time proves that there has been a seismic shift in how people are using the Web today.

Mobile Social Networking on the Up:

According to the Nielsen Online report, mobile is playing an increasingly important role in social networking. It was found that the propensity to use mobile social networking was highest among the UK mobile Internet users. Around 2 million people (23 percent) in the UK visited social networks via their mobile, compared to 10.6 million (19 percent) in the US.

Comparing user statistics over the last year, the study revealed that mobile social networking increased 249 percent and 156 percent in the UK and US respectively.

Age Diversification:

If you think most of the social networking users belong to the young age group, think again! The Nielsen Online study found that the social network and blogging audience is becoming more diverse in terms of age.

Amongst the ‘member community’ visitors, the biggest increase (over 11.3 million people) during 2008 was seen in users belonging to the age group 35-49 year old. This just goes on to show that community Web sites are not only the favourites of the younger population, but also the middle-aged global population.

Has E-mail become Obsolete?

As people across the globe look for a change in the medium of communication, social networking has come a long way in satisfying their needs. The once-popular e-mails have become a means to share ‘forwards’ that include images and stories. But when it comes to communication, social networks provide more interactive and quick response facilities.

Today, member communities have become a rich source for online entertainment and knowledge gathering. You get the feeling of being alive socially, which doesn’t happen in the case of e-mails. Moreover, social networks provide scope for other activities as well, such as playing games, listening to music, etc.

So, does this mean we will see a steep decline in e-mail marketing and a tremendous rise in social network marketing? The answer is a probable Yes!