Social network addiction taking over lives: Study

Sydney: The 2013 Yellow Social Media Report has analyzed that a growing number of Australians are using social network at an addictive rate wherever they can, even in toilet cubicles!

According to the study, three out of every five internet users are accessing these sites more than five times a day, making it a total of seven hours a day. In a report by News.com, the study found that the time spent by Australians for social media usage has gone up this year, as smartphones have become the most popular way of accessing social media. Sensis digital partnerships and innovation executive general manager Kelly Brough said the study indicated the large growth of social media in Australia. It was also the first time smartphones took over laptop computers for social media usage. The survey presented figures about various locations of social media access. Of the people surveyed, 34 percent logged on at work, 13 percent at school 18 percent in car, presumably from the passenger`s seat, 44 percent in bed, 7 percent in bathroom and 6 percent in the toilet. Brough indicated that social media is important to people as part of their daily routine. Australian social media users had an average of 258 friends, followers or fans, and women were more likely to use social media and share frequently. Lack of interest and privacy concerns was the reason why Australians avoided joining the social media networks. A total of 65 percent online Australians use social networks, added the report. ANI