Most UK youth on social networking sites [Financial Times]

More than half of the UK’s 16-24 year olds are using social networking sites such as MySpace and Bebo at least once a week, as the “networked generation” turns its back on television, radio and newspapers in favour of online communities.

More than 70 per cent of 16-24 year olds polled by Ofcom told the UK communications regulator they visited such sites, and 54 per cent used them at least weekly. Only about 12 per cent of internet users aged 35 or over used such sites weekly.

The findings underscore a rapid divergence between young consumers’ media habits and those of older generations, which could have worrying implications for traditional media companies.

– Read full article
– Read Ofcom press release
– Download Ofcom report (pdf, 4.94 mb, 293 pages)