Canadian adults online more than teens

Teens may have a reputation for being surgically attached to the Internet, but new research into the online behavior of Canadian adults and teens shows that adults lead the way in time spent online.

by Helen Leggatt

ipsos%20reid%20logo.jpg A recently released Ipsos Reid study has found that while Canadian teens spend an average of 13 hours a week online, adults spend 19. In addition, adult Internet use has risen by 6 hours a week over the last few years, while teen usage has remained steady.

Another surprising fact is that teens use online technology more conservatively than adults, sticking to a core of activities such as socializing, gaming and entertainment/music. Adults, on the other hand, are increasingly doing just about everything online from paying bills and real estate research to online shopping and blogging.

Other factors that could contribute to the time spent online by teens compared to adults is work-time use, curfews placed on use by parents and the importance of the Internet in day-to-day life.

"What is surprising about our research is the extent to which it challenges conventional assumptions adults make about the technological sophistication of teenagers,” said Steve Mossop, President of Market Research for Ipsos Reid in Western Canada, in a recent statement.