Online demographic 'ageing'

Category: Internet Trends

December 27th 07, 09:58

Internet users are getting older, according to the latest figures mapping the demographic of users of the web.

According to statistics from Nielsen Online, in the 12-month period from October 2006 to October 2007, the share of users under the age of 25 dropped, while users over 55 rose.

Internet users under the age of 25 in the UK now make up for 25 per cent of all users, a four per cent fall on the 29 per cent of October 2006. Meanwhile, users over the age of 55 have risen three per cent to 19 per cent in the 12-month period.

"It will be very interesting to see whether this trend continues over the next 12 months and, if so, whether the types of services and products offered and marketed online adapt to reflect this changing population," said Alex Burmaster, internet analyst at Nielsen Online.

Mr Burmaster added that companies that introduce new technologies - generally marketed towards the younger market - could be "missing a trick" if they do not accommodate the changing demographic.

Other recent research from Nielsen revealed that those shopping online for presents pre-Christmas were generally very satisfied with their experience.

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