WIP survey shows importance of Internet

WIP survey shows importance of Internet

The NZ World Internet Project Survey of over 1200 New Zealanders has revealed that 83% are now using the Internet, up from 79% in 2007.

Significantly, the proportion of Internet users using broadband has risen to 82%, up from 67% in 2007, with dial-up use declining.

Two thirds of survey respondents said the Internet was so important to their everyday lives that losing access to it would be a problem, and nearly half of users report using social networking sites, notably Facebook.

The survey is conducted bi-annually by Auckland University of Technology’s Institute of Culture, Discourse & Communication and is strongly supported by InternetNZ, a contributor to its funding.

InternetNZ Policy Director Jordan Carter says the survey provides a valuable snapshot of how New Zealanders are using the Internet.

“Many aspects of online behaviour are addressed, as well as attitudes to the Internet and how Internet use affects people’s lives. This latest set of results shows that Internet presence is now an established part of most people’s lives, and highlights the importance of free and unfettered access to the Internet.

“The survey is an extremely useful resource for InternetNZ, our strategic partners and the wider community in terms of developing future policy initiatives aimed at increased and better use of technology, and we look forward to continuing our support for the project,” says Carter.

“InternetNZ’s support was crucial in getting the project off the ground and they continue to be a significant on-going sponsor,” says WIP New Zealand’s Project Director Professor Allan Bell.

ENDS

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