Social Media Usage Statistics
This data comes from Jill Kutz and was first posted on Social Media Today.
Thank you to Jill for passing this along:
Most of the comments relate to personal usage of Social Media and the survey does not seem to be skewed toward business usage.
According to a new study by Anderson Analytics that involved 5,000 U.S. social media users:
- 61% of social media users are under age 35
- 55% of social media users are female
- 29% of Facebook and LinkedIn users say they could “probably do without” the popular networks
- 35% said they could do without MySpace
- 43% could live without Twitter
- Under 35, people rely on social networks for “fun” and contacting friends
- Older consumers use them to stay in touch with family and friends
- 75% said Facebook was their most valuable network, 65% who cited MySpace
- 30% said LinkedIn was their most valuable network
- 12% said Twitter was most valuable
- 32% of male respondents said using social media for business/career contacts was a key benefit, 22% for females
The Anderson report also found an estimated 110 million people in the U.S., 36% of the total population, use social media regularly. Of that group, Facebook dominates with 78 million regular users, followed by MySpace with 67 million, Twitter with 17 million, and LinkedIn with 11 million regular users.
Hi,
all interesting statistics, but dont you think there are too many people who are counting the numbers, and too few who seem to be interpreting social behaviours and building these into coherent programmes of activity for brands and businesses to get engaged in this space? Too often, I see stand-alone activity in one channel or another, which seems more of a token effort, a one-off response to statistics like these that should X or Y site is the latest hot thing. Real benefits will only accrue to those brands which take a long-term considered view of the social space, and put the effort into those areas where they are going to be able to add most value.
Cheers
Ross
ross taylor
July 20, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Ross,
Numbers are only one measure of this phenomenon. I also find that my greatest benefits are the cross links I have developed between several media types and among several networks. I would be interested in hearing more about your thoughts here.
The most important criteria is that a dialogue or discussion take place-those who try to use the Social Space to market directly without interest in response are sadly disappointed.
Dan
That_DanRyan
July 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm