KEY POINTS:
The internet is considered a more important source of information than newspapers, television, radio and even friends and family, a new survey shows.
AUT University today released the findings of a benchmark survey looking at how New Zealanders use the internet.
The survey, led by AUT University's Professor Allan Bell, is part of the World Internet Project (WIP) - an international collaborative project looking at the social, political and economic impact of the internet and other new technologies.
Key findings of the survey of 1529 New Zealanders include:
* 81 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed use the internet.
* The internet is used heavily to conduct everyday business - 83 per cent of users access information about products online, and 60 per cent buy things online, 51 per cent pay bills, and 62 per cent make travel reservations or bookings, 68 per cent use their bank's online services.
* 29 per cent of users access the internet through wireless or mobile phone - 68 per cent have broadband at home, while 31 per cent have dialup. Those without broadband at home are more likely to be older, live in rural areas and have lower household incomes than broadband users.
* An important proportion of New Zealanders generate their own content on the web, especially those under 30 years old - 13 per cent of all users have their own website, 27 per cent have posted messages on discussion/message boards, 33 per cent have posted pictures, photos or videos on the web, 10 per cent have their own blog, with 21 per cent of bloggers being under 20 years of age.
* Respondents rate the internet above all other sources as an important or very important source of information (62 per cent), compared to newspapers and television (both 54 per cent) and radio (46 per cent). The internet even rates above interpersonal sources such as family and friends (58 per cent) despite non-users being included in these responses.
* Socialising is a major use of the internet - 77 per cent of users check their email every day, 10 per cent participate in multi-player online games at least daily, and 16 per cent participate in social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook at least daily.
* internet access, usage, capability and attitudes are all strongly graded by New Zealanders' age, income and area of residence. The younger, wealthier and more urban people are, the more connected and confident they are online.
* Most people believe the internet is considerably enhancing their social contacts rather than diminishing them.
Release of the survey results were welcomed by internetNZ, which contributed to funding of the WIP New Zealand survey.
Executive director Keith Davidson said the project was a significant piece of international research that over time would prove useful in comparing internet trends in New Zealand with those in other countries.
Mr Davidson said the results highlighted interesting aspects of New Zealand's digital divide.
"For instance, the Pasifika community tends to be behind other ethnic groups in engagement with the internet, whereas Maori and Pakeha exhibit greater levels of engagement and Asians the highest level of engagement," he said.
- NZPA
