Move over, television. For the first time, weekly Internet usage has moved ahead of the number of hours spent watching the box.
Overall, Canadians are now spending more than 18 hours a week online compared to 16.9 hours watching television, according to a new Ipsos Reid online survey.
Internet usage is up from 14.9 hours in 2009. The number of hours watching television also increased in the last year, rising from 15.8 hours. Other media, such as newspapers, radio and magazines have all remained relatively stable in the last year.
Males are spending significantly more time online than females—20 hours compared to 16. The study also found that the gap between age groups is minimal, with 18-34 year olds spending 20 hours a week online compared to 18 hours for those over the age of 35.
“In previous years we’ve seen significant differences between the generations and the amount of time they spend online,” study author Mark Laver said in a press release.
“The data indicates that not only are people of all ages spending more and more time online, but it also points to a shift in how online Canadians are consuming media and where they are spending their free time.”
Laver said Canadians today have “a myriad of entertainment options” available in the home.
“While some entertainment content has simply shifted from television to online, the Internet is also providing new content to Canadians.”
As for television, adults aged 55 and over are significantly more likely to be watching more television—20 hours each week compared to 15 hours for those aged 35-54, and 13 hours for those aged 18-34.
Those with a university education watch less television each week—15 hours, compared to approximately 17.5 hours for those without university educations.
“Our look at online television and media in the Inter@ctive Reid Report shows that Canadians are consuming more and more content online than they were previously watching on television or content that they simply did not have access to,” said Laver.
“Not only has the recession likely acted as a disrupting factor, but the Internet is poised to take the next step in our lives as it delivers more and more entertainment content to Canadians in their homes and on the go.”
Overall, Canadians are now spending more than 18 hours a week online compared to 16.9 hours watching television, according to a new Ipsos Reid online survey.
Internet usage is up from 14.9 hours in 2009. The number of hours watching television also increased in the last year, rising from 15.8 hours. Other media, such as newspapers, radio and magazines have all remained relatively stable in the last year.
Males are spending significantly more time online than females—20 hours compared to 16. The study also found that the gap between age groups is minimal, with 18-34 year olds spending 20 hours a week online compared to 18 hours for those over the age of 35.
“In previous years we’ve seen significant differences between the generations and the amount of time they spend online,” study author Mark Laver said in a press release.
“The data indicates that not only are people of all ages spending more and more time online, but it also points to a shift in how online Canadians are consuming media and where they are spending their free time.”
Laver said Canadians today have “a myriad of entertainment options” available in the home.
“While some entertainment content has simply shifted from television to online, the Internet is also providing new content to Canadians.”
As for television, adults aged 55 and over are significantly more likely to be watching more television—20 hours each week compared to 15 hours for those aged 35-54, and 13 hours for those aged 18-34.
Those with a university education watch less television each week—15 hours, compared to approximately 17.5 hours for those without university educations.
“Our look at online television and media in the Inter@ctive Reid Report shows that Canadians are consuming more and more content online than they were previously watching on television or content that they simply did not have access to,” said Laver.
“Not only has the recession likely acted as a disrupting factor, but the Internet is poised to take the next step in our lives as it delivers more and more entertainment content to Canadians in their homes and on the go.”
Friends Read Free