Reasons for going online --US internet users

By A Bisht

Let I begin today’s article with a quote,

"If you don’t know where to go, any road can take you there."

The reason for beginning today’s write-up like this, is to bring the reader attention to the essence of a study recently conducted by eMarketer.

The essence of the study is-- when online, majority(all) of people don’t know where to go, and thus anywhere they go, they think it to be the destination. In short internet is an ideal place to pass time.

According to the study the reasons given by US internet users during Q2 2009 and the percentage of respondents who gave that particular reason are as under:

Pass time_____________100 percent

Educate self__________96 percent

Connect with others___92 percent

Research______________89 percent

Share_________________86 percent

Be entertained________82 percent

Keep informed_________79 percent

Discuss_______________76 percent

Be a part of a community_________72 percent

Work (business)__________________69 percent

Escape___________________________66 percent

Opine____________________________62 percent

Influence others_________________56 percent

Activate support_________________52 percent

Entertain others_________________48 percent

Emote____________________________44 percent

Be creative______________________42 percent


[Below are least common intentions]

Make a purchase__________________33 percent

Manage finances__________________30 percent

Comparison shop__________________28 percent

Join a cause_____________________26 percent --------