21 November 2005

The use of search engines is rapidly increasing, making it the second most popular online activity.

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, the number of net surfers has increased from 30 per cent of the US web population in July 2004 to its current position at 41 per cent.

This means that around 50 million Americans regularly get online and use search engines.

However, receiving and sending emails still remains top Internet activity.

The report marks the first time that use of search engines has overtaken news as the more popular web-based activity.

The research also showed that those accessing search engines are often more likely to be aged in their 30s, relatively well-off with broadband rather than dial-up connections.

"Most people think of the internet as a vast library, and they increasingly depend on search engines to help them find everything from information about the people who interest them, to transactions they want to conduct, organisations they need to deal with, and interesting factoids that help them settle bar bets and backyard arguments," commented Lee Rainie, the director of the Pew Internet Project.

The research is based on the results of a random telephone-based survey of 1,577 Internet users conducted between September and October this year.

© Adfero Ltd

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