Social Networking Attracting more Adults

A new study has come out on the popularity of social networks. Not surprisingly, social network users are becoming more prevalent. The study found that 35% of all Internet users use social networks and the bulk of those users have multiple social networking accounts.

All though the main reason people use social networks is still to keep in touch with friends (89% consider it one of the main priorities of use), business usage is increasing. In fact, the majority of social network users have multiple profiles to separate work from their personal lives and work contacts from personal contacts.

Also not surprising, younger adults have a higher percentage of use. 75% of 18-24 year olds and 57% of 25-34 year olds have at least one profile.  30%, 19%, 10%, and 7% of 35 - 44, 45 - 54, 55 - 64, and 65 years old an older have a social network profile respectively. Women and men have an equal chance of use

MySpace is still quite popular with 50% of all social network users having a profile. 22% use Facebook. 6% use LinkedIn, and only 1% have accounts with Youtube and Classmates.com

The study found that privacy rated the highest amongst older users who preferred to keep their profiles private.

Social Network use was 8% in February of 2005 and has been steadily rising. The largest jump in use was between May and August of 2008 where usage saw a 15% increase.