Social Network Traffic is stealing Porn Market Share

For a long time now adult entertainment or porn sites have received one of the largest sections of internet traffic. In fact there were experts who believed that adult entertainment was a sure shot way of earning revenue on the internet. However, a recent survey indicates that in the 18-24 year group, the traffic to porn sites is slipping rapidly and growing on social networks. Hitwise, an internet statistics company reveals that in its research study that included 10 million internet users it found an interesting trend on what internet users were searching for and doing online. While earlier 20% of internet searches were for porn sites, this percentage has dropped to 10%. On the other hand, the traffic to social networks is on an increase and this continues steadily.

The research also shows that traffic to porn sites was 16.9% of total traffic generated in the US in 2005. This percentage has gone down to 11.9%. This is a 33% decline in traffic to adult entertainment sites. For the 18-24 age group, on the order of interest and importance social networks came first, search engines came second, followed by e-mail sites and porn rated fourth. For the above 25 years group porn or adult entertainment remained high on the list, coming in second after search engines.

This is a trend that is seen globally. A BBC report also indicated that more Britons are opting for social networks than for adult entertainment sites. A survey by comScore indicated Facebook to be the seventh most popular site in the world. These changes show more than just a change in the way traffic is received by websites it also indicates how the internet is being used to reach out to friends and family. Social media sites have provided internet users a platform to put forth their views and opinions and connect with friends and like minded people.

Web 2.0

The internet is the information highway of the world, and the Web 2.0 sites have changed the role of the internet users. The Web 2.0 is essentially a change in the manner in which developers are allowing internet users to play a more active role on the internet.

Whilst earlier they were passive recipients of information and could order goods and services online, now they play an active role in content development.

Communication is the cornerstone for any civilization and this generation has been blessed with online resources that allow them to communicate easily and quickly. The research discussed also brings to light the fact that social networks are now being ranked higher than web based e-mail services. Social networks make it easier and more informal to interact with friends and you don’t have to bother sending out an e-mail, unless necessary. They are now fulfilling the role of what a water cooler or a café does in real life, creating common space for friends and like minded people to share.

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