Mark Harden, who writes for Bizjournals notes that almost half the nation’s Internet users now take part in online social networks such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn, almost twice the rate of a year ago, The Conference Board reported Tuesday.

Of Web users, 43 percent use a social networking Web site, up from 27 percent last year, the nonprofit global research group said in its quarterly Consumer Internet Barometer.

The most popular site is Facebook, used by 78 percent of social network participants, followed by MySpace (42 percent), LinkedIn (17 percent) and Twitter (10 percent).

The survey tracks about 10,000 Internet-equipped households nationwide.

It said seniors age 55 and older are quickly increasing their use of social networks, up from 6 percent last year to 19 percent this year.

Women are more likely than men to use social-network sites (48 percent versus 38 percent).

The majority of users log on at home, The Conference Board said, with a quarter logging on at work, and 10 percent connecting through their phone. More than half say they log on at least once a day.

“Online social networks are more than just a fad among the younger generation,” said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, in a statement Tuesday. “They’ve become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. They’re an effective way to keep in touch with people, connect with friends and family, and network with colleagues.

“Social media will also transform marketing as we know it. They’re powerful communication tools, and are becoming an essential part of successful marketing strategies.”

The survey said Facebook is equally popular among men and women, while women are more likely than men (47 percent versus 35 percent) to use MySpace and more men than women (21 percent versus 15 percent) use LinkedIn.

Users of the micro-blogging site Twitter said their top reasons for “tweeting” are to connect with friends (42 percent), update their status (29 percent), look for news (26 percent) and for work-related reasons (22 percent).

Social Media:

What’s In It For You And Your Business?

If you are trying to understand why Social Media is such a hot topic and what your organization should be doing about it, this is the workshop for you. This event will focus on the importance of utilizing new media marketing tools for your business.
Learn about:

• Social networking
• Creating a brand in the world of new media
• Acquiring the tools to stay ahead of the ever-changing web

Utilizing FaceBook, Linked-In, blogs, & Google Wave for your business

Presented By:

For More Information or to Register:

http://newmediajax.eventbrite.com

or call 904.240.4910

Details
June 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
University Club
1301 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, FL

Advance Purchase Pricing:
$25 for Early Bird General Admission
$20 for University Club Members/Students
$160 for a Company/Group Table of 8
*Early Bird prices available until June 23rd

-Continental Breakfast is included

-Attendees will receive an E-Book of the presentation