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Surfing the web is the new TV

Surfing the web is replacing television as the medium of choice for young adults, according to a new overseas survey. The survey, commissioned by social networking website MySpace and conducted by UK-based analyst The Future Laboratory, found a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds had reduced their television watching in favour of social networking on the web. A similar number (22 per cent) said they spent less time playing video games. More time in front of the computer meant 43 per cent had increased the number of emails they sent and received, while 25 per cent increased their use of instant messaging. Internet analyst Hitwise believes the figures would be similar in Australia. "Given the similarities between Australian and UK social networking users, the MySpace UK research findings should be reviewed by anyone interested in the impact online social networks are having in Australia," Hitwise spokeswoman Tessa Court said.

According to Hitwise, 8 per cent of all visits to websites in Australia were to social networks and forums, compared to 7.6 per cent in the UK. The average time spent on these websites was also similar, with Australia clocking up 18 minutes and 54 seconds, compared to 18 minutes and 57 seconds in the UK. The two biggest social networking sites in Australia attracted even more attention. The average time spent by Australians during the month of January on MySpace was 27 minutes and 46 seconds, while Facebook was 21 minutes and 15 seconds. "While MySpace will always be a great way to communicate with friends, the site has evolved into the centre of people's online and offline lives," MySpace Australia vice president Rebekah Horne said. "MySpace is now a collaborative and creative hub that allows people to keep up to date with, comment on, and define the wider cultural scene."