Research shows: Australians are savvy internet and smartphone users

New research data reveals some interesting facts about how and to what extent Australian internet users interact with social media and what tools they use to do so. We already wrote earlier this year that online Australians from 2011 have fully embraced the world of online social media. Their level of online engagement with brands and organisations, local and international, and particularly with other online consumers, ranks among the highest in the world.

Now the new study reveals some new facts about Australians online, their numbers and preferred tools through which they interact with the online universe, particularly social media.

Australians appear to be amongst the most engaged social media users in the world: 65 percent of Aussies over 16 have an active profile on at least one of social media platforms with Facebook being the dominant one.

The recent research estimates there are 16.4 million active monthly internet users in Australia. Interestingly, 60 percent of those are over the age of 35. The report concludes that Internet now appeals to the higher income, more established over 35s.

Facebook, the largest social media platform in the world, confirms its reputation when it comes to Australia: over 50 percent of online Australians regularly use Facebook.

The study also showed that Australia has one of the highest in the world rates of smartphone ownership: 36 percent of Aussies own a smartphone. This data is consistent with one of LiveTribe’s own polls conducted recently where 28 percent of our panel said they owned an iPhone.

Analytical reports like this are a product of online surveys, extensive research  and consumer analysis. With LiveTribe you can join thousands of Australian online consumers to talk about different products and brands. Not only that, you will be rewarded for expressing your opinions and for participating in the best market surveys online.

Reference: M. Ingrey and M. Higginson ‘Measurement Connections’ in Research News by Australian Market & Social Research Society, Vol.28, No 4, May 2011

State of the online market – Australia. Nielsen online ratings. November 2011