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UK adults’ media literacy
2009 interim report

Research Document
Publication date: 15 October 2009

UK adults’ media literacy: 2009 interim report

Contents
Section Page
1 Executive summary 1
2 Introduction 3
3 Take-up and media preferences 5
4 Using the internet 17
5 Understanding, security and concerns 28
6 Learning 42


Section 1

1 Executive summary
This report is designed to give an accessible overview of media literacy among UK adults
aged 16 and over. The purpose of this report is to support people working in this area to
develop and promote media literacy.

It is an interim report: that is, it reports on one wave of data from spring 2009. Data from
autumn 2009 will be amalgamated into it, and a full-year report published in early 2010,
which will provide more detailed reporting in a number of areas.

Take-up and media preferences

UK adults have high levels of household take-up of digital television (89%) and the internet
(73%), and nine in ten (91%) use mobile phones. Since 2007, household take-up of digital
television and the internet and the use of mobile phones have increased significantly. Three
in four adults use the internet at home or elsewhere in 2009 (75%), compared to two-thirds
(63%) in 2007 and three-fifths (59%) in 2005.

Although there has been an above-average increase in household take-up of the internet
among older adults aged 65+ (41%) and those in DE socio-economic groups (51%), these
figures are still at a much lower level compared to all UK adults (73%).

The growth in household take-up of the internet since the 2007 survey has meant that the
profile of internet users has changed, with more users in older age groups.

Most of those who do not have, and do not intend to get, the internet at home give reasons
relating to a lack of interest, as in previous years of this research. While lack of interest is still
the most common reason for not intending to get the internet, it is less likely to be mentioned
now than in 2007. Reasons relating to cost are more likely to be mentioned than in 2007. Not
having a PC/ laptop is also given as a reason by 26% of this group.

While half of all UK adults (51%) say they would miss watching television the most, more
adults now nominate using the internet, compared to 2007 (15% vs. 12%). Younger adults,
aged 16-24 (39%) and 25-34 (40%), and those in AB socio-economic groups (42%), are less
likely to say that they would most miss watching television.

Using the internet

As in previous years, communication is the most commonly mentioned activity carried out on
a regular basis 1 by internet users (76%). Compared to 2007, however, fewer internet users
are regularly carrying out transactions online (36% vs. 41%) or finding information online for
their work / studies (35% vs. 48%). There has been a considerable increase in regular use of
the internet for content creation (through social networking sites) (34% vs. 22%) and for
entertainment (30% vs. 22%). It is possible that this change in the range of activities can be
partly explained by the change in the profile of internet users since 2007.

One in three UK adults who use the internet (29%) say they are watching online or
downloading TV programmes or films. Almost all of these are doing so through UK TV
broadcasters’ websites (such as BBC iPlayer) (27%), with a much smaller proportion
watching online or downloading TV programmes or movies from other websites (9%).

1
A ‘regular basis’ refers to an activity carried out at least once a week

1


Almost twice as many internet users now have a social networking site profile than in 2007
(38% vs. 22%) and there has also been an increase in contributing comments to someone
else’s blog (26% vs. 19%). Experience of other types of online content creation has not
changed since 2007.

Compared to 2007, those with a social networking site profile are more likely to use these
sites every day (41% vs. 30%), to have a profile which can be seen only by their friends or
family (78% vs. 48%), and to use the sites to communicate with their friends and family (80%
vs. 69%).

Understanding, security and concerns

Knowledge of how the BBC is funded has declined since 2007 for BBC TV programmes
(75% vs. 80%), BBC radio stations (55% vs. 62%) and the BBC website (36% vs. 41%).
Compared to all UK adults, there are consistently lower levels of awareness of the licence
fee as the main source of funding among adults aged 16-24, females, and those in DE
socio-economic groups.

Compared to 2007, UK adults are more likely to believe that content is regulated across
each of television (82% vs. 79%), radio (68% vs. 58%), the internet (38% vs. 26%), mobile
phones (25% vs. 20%) and gaming (36% vs. 29%).

More UK adults believe that file sharing through downloading shared copies of copyright
music and films should be illegal (42%) than believe it should not be illegal (33%), and 25%
are unsure. Young people aged 16-24 are more likely to say that such content should not be
illegal (55%).

Internet users appear to be less willing to provide personal information online than was the
case in 2007. Those who are more confident using the internet are more likely to say they
would be happy to provide personal information online. The types of judgements made about
websites before entering personal information have not changed particularly, but there has
been an increase in those who say they wouldn’t make a judgement before entering
personal information.

The proportion of adults mentioning any concerns has decreased since 2007 for each of
television, radio, the internet, mobile phones and gaming. For TV, radio, and the internet this
takes overall concerns back to 2005 levels. Just over half of adults have concerns about
what is on the internet (56%) and just under half have concerns about what is on television
(44%). Concern about what is on the internet mostly relates to offensive or illegal content.
Concerns about mobile phones (24%), gaming (23%) and radio (9%) are at a lower level.

Learning

When asked about their preferred way of learning about digital technology, half of adults
nominate reading the manual / instructions, an increase since 2007 (49% vs. 45%). Despite
an increase in the number of those who prefer to go to a class to learn about digital
technology (10% vs. 6%), few adults prefer this more formal method of learning.

One in four adults have experience of formal learning about digital technology, which is
lower than in 2007 (23% vs. 27%). Experience of formal learning mostly relates to using the
internet. Experience of formal learning about digital technology is less likely among those
aged 65 and over compared to adults as a whole (17% vs. 23%). As in 2007, one in three
UK adults would be interested in learning more about digital technology (30% vs. 31%).
Interest in learning more also mostly relates to using the internet.

2


Section 2

2 Introduction
2.1 Background

Media literacy enables individuals, and society, to have the skills, knowledge and
understanding they need to make full use of the opportunities presented both by traditional
and by new communications services. Media literacy also helps people to manage content
and communications, and protect themselves and their families from the potential risks
associated with using these services.

Ofcom’s definition of media literacy is:

‘the ability to use, understand and create media and communications’.

The promotion of media literacy is a responsibility placed on Ofcom by Section 11 of the
Communications Act 2003. Under Section 14 (6a) of the Act we have a duty to make
arrangements for the carrying out of research into the matters mentioned in Section 11 (1).

Ofcom's work to promote media literacy is intended:

• to give people the opportunity and motivation to develop competence and confidence to
participate in communications technology and digital society; and

• to inform and empower people to manage their own media activity (both consumption
and creation).

This report provides an update to the Media Literacy Audit – Report on adult media literacy,
published in 2006 2 and again in 2008 3, using fieldwork conducted in 2005 and 2007. In
2009, we have adopted a six-monthly fieldwork schedule, to enable more frequent reporting
and the identification of emerging trends. This report is designed to give an accessible
overview of media literacy among adults aged 16 and over, and is based on an initial wave
of research conducted in spring 2009. Where possible, within the overall sample of adults,
demographic analysis is conducted by age, by gender and by household socio-economic
group.

A full report will be published in spring 2010 and will be based on two waves of research,
with a second wave of interviewing in autumn 2009. In this more detailed report, it will be
possible to conduct additional analysis, such as looking at any differences by nation.

Because the findings reported here are based on just one wave of interviewing, conducted in
April and May 2009, some responses may be affected by seasonal fluctuations, and where
possible, this has been referred to within this report. Seasonality will not be a factor once the
consolidated data from both the 2009 waves of research are available.

2
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/medialit_audit/
3
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/ml_adult08/

3


The key objectives of this research are:

• to provide a rich picture of the different elements of media literacy across the key
platforms of television, radio, the internet and mobile phones; and

• to identify emerging issues and skills gaps that will help to target both Ofcom’s and
stakeholders’ resources for the promotion of media literacy.

Many of the findings from this research will also be used to inform, and act as benchmarks
for, the work of the Consortium for the promotion of Digital Participation.

2.2 What we mean by media literacy

In order to monitor media literacy using research we used the following measures to
represent some of the key areas of media literacy (see box below).

• Take-up, use and breadth of use of media
• Knowledge of how elements of each media platform are funded
• Knowledge of regulation
• Trust in internet sites
• The extent and levels of concerns about each platform

2.3 Research methodology and analysis

This report draws on research from the first wave of the Media Literacy Tracker 2009 with
adults aged 16 and over. Comparisons are made between this research and the Media
Literacy Audit surveys, conducted in 2007 and in 2005.

Media Literacy Tracker with adults: 2009

A quantitative survey that involved 812 in-home interviews with adults aged 16 and over
from April to May 2009. A second wave of this tracking study will be conducted later in 2009,
and will be reported early in 2010.

Media Literacy Audit survey: 2007

A quantitative survey that involved 2,905 in-home interviews with adults aged 16 and
over from October to December 2007. The report was published in 2008.

Media Literacy Audit survey: 2005

A quantitative survey that involved 3,244 in-home interviews with adults aged 16 and
over from June to August 2005. The report was published in 2006.

Significance testing at the 95% confidence level was carried out. This means that where
findings are commented on, there is only a 5% or less probability that the difference
between the samples is by chance.

4


Section 3

3 Take-up and media preferences
This section looks at a range of issues related to UK adults’ access to 4, and personal use of,
media devices in their households and elsewhere. It looks at the changing profile of internet
users 5 as take-up of the internet has increased over time, as well as the reasons given by
those who do not have the internet at home. It explores the reasons for using different media
and which media device adults would miss the most.

Key findings

• Since 2007, household take-up of digital television (89% vs. 82%) and the internet
(73% vs. 62%) and personal use of a mobile phone (91% vs. 85%) have increased
significantly. Take-up of the internet and personal use of a mobile phone remain
lower for those in DE socio-economic groups (51% internet, 85% mobile phone) and
those aged 65+ (41% internet, 68% mobile phone).

• Looking at the overall profile of internet users, a higher share of users in 2009 are
older (9% aged 65+ vs. 6% in 2007).

• Three in ten UK adults (27%) visit websites via a mobile phone, and one in ten (9%)
do so via a games console. Younger people aged 16-24 are more likely than UK
adults as a whole to use the internet on their mobile (50%) or their games console
(18%).

• Most of those who do not intend to get internet access at home give reasons relating
to a lack of interest (71%). Compared to 2007, there is an increase in reasons
relating to cost. Non-ownership of a PC / laptop is also a factor.

• While half of all UK adults (51%) say they would miss watching television the most,
more adults now nominate using the internet compared to 2007 (15% vs. 12%).
Younger adults, aged 16-24 (39%) and 25-34 (40%), and those in AB socio-
economic groups (42%), are less likely to say that they would most miss watching
television.

3.1 High take-up of media in the home, although take-up remains lower for
people in DE socio-economic groups and older adults

Take-up of the key platforms of mobile phone, digital television, the internet and digital video
recorders (DVRs) has increased significantly since 2007. Access to digital radio at home
through the internet, digital television or a DAB radio has also increased significantly since
2007.

4
The terms ‘access to’ and ‘take-up’ are used within this report to indicate where a particular device is
present in the household. These terms do not imply that the device is necessarily used by the adult.
The term ‘use’ indicates where a device is present in the household that the adult actually makes use
of.
5
In this report ‘internet users’ are defined as those who use the internet at home or anywhere else.

5


Figure 1: Household take-up of key platforms: 2005, 2007 and 2009

Digital radio Mobile phone* Digital TV Internet DVR
NB Combination of internet/ *Personal use
digital TV/ DAB radio access

100% 94%
91%
88% 89%
85%
82% 82%
77%
80% 73%

62% 62%
60% 54%

40% 34%
23%
20% 11%

0% 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009

T1/ T2/ R1/ IN1/ M1 – Can any of your TV sets receive additional channels other than BBC, ITV, Channel 4/ S4C and (where available) Channel 5?/
Do you have a recorder for your TV service which can record and store TV programmes onto an internal hard drive, and also pause and rewind live
TV?/ In which of these ways do you ever listen to radio in your home?/ Does anyone in your household have access to the internet at home through
a computer or laptop?/ Do you personally use a mobile phone?. (Prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (3244 in 2005, 2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009
Source: Ofcom research, fieldwork carried out by Saville Rossiter-Base in April to May 2009

Around three in four adults live in a household with access to the internet; a significant
increase since 2007. This increase is evident in each age group of adults and in all of the
socio-economic groups. Across all adults, take-up has increased by eleven percentage
points (73% in 2009 vs. 62% in 2007). There appears to have been an above-average
increase in take-up since 2007 among adults aged 65+ (41% vs. 26%) and adults in DE
socio-economic groups (51% vs. 35%). This change within the overall population of those
with the internet at home could partly explain some of the changes in usage patterns, which
we will explore later in this report.

It is still the case, however, that take-up of the internet is lower among adults aged 55-64
(63% vs. 73% of all adults) and adults aged 65+ (41% vs. 73% of all adults). Take-up of the
internet at home also remains lower among those in DE socio-economic groups (51% vs.
73% of all adults).

Around nine in ten adults live in a household with a digital television service; a significant
increase since 2007 (89% vs. 82%). Since 2007, take-up of digital television has increased
among all adults aged over 35, with an increase in excess of ten percentage points among
adults aged 45 and over. However, take-up of digital television services remains lower
among adults aged 65 and over (77% vs. 89% of all adults) compared to all adults. Take-up
of digital television has also increased since 2007 among adults in the C2 (93% vs. 85% in
2007) and DE (87% vs. 72% in 2007) socio-economic groups.

Around nine in ten adults use a mobile phone; a significant increase since 2007 (91% vs.
85%). This increase is evident among those aged 16-24 (100% vs. 97% in 2007), those
aged 55-64 (93% vs. 82% in 2007) and those aged 65+ (68% vs. 51% in 2007). It is still the
case, however, that take-up of a mobile phone is lower among adults aged 65+ (68% vs.
91% of all adults). Use of a mobile phone has also increased significantly since 2007 among
adults in the C2 and DE socio-economic groups, but remains lower among adults in DE
socio-economic groups (85% vs. 91% of all adults).

6


Figure 2: Take-up of key platforms, by age and socio-economic group: 2005, 2007 and
2009
2005
2007
Digital television 2009 Internet Mobile phone
(Household) (Household) (Personal)
62% 55% 82%
Total 82% 62% 85%
89% 73% 91%

67% 62% 94%
16-24 87% 71% 97%
92% 84% 100%

68% 66% 96%
25-34 90% 70% 96%
90% 83% 96%

69% 71% 94%
35-44 90% 79% 96%
94% 90% 96%

66% 61% 88%
45-54 83% 72% 93%
94% 79% 95%

60% 49% 73%
55-64 79% 53% 82%
91% 63% 93%

44% 23% 48%
65+ 65% 26% 51%
77% 41% 68%

71% 79% 87%
AB 89% 82% 90%
92% 89% 92%

62% 62% 86%
C1 85% 72% 90%
87% 82% 93%

65% 53% 83%
C2 85% 57% 86%
93% 70% 94%

52% 26% 74%
DE 72% 35% 76%
87% 51% 85%

T1/ IN1/ M1 – Can any of your TV sets receive additional channels other than BBC, ITV, Channel 4/ S4C and (where available) Channel 5?/ Does
anyone in your household have access to the internet at home through a computer or laptop?/ Do you personally use a mobile phone? (Prompted
responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009, 106 16-24, 126 25-34, 173 35-44, 140 45-54, 106 55-64, 161 65+, 175 AB, 228 C1, 168 C2,
241 DE). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009

Figure 3 below shows the profile of the internet users surveyed in 2005, 2007 and 2009, in
terms of the proportion of internet users in each of the six age groups and the proportion of
internet users in each of the four socio-economic groups. The age and socio-economic
group profile of all adults in 2009 is also shown for comparison.

There has been an increase over time in the proportion of internet users aged 65 and over
and those in the DE socio-economic groups. While 6% of all internet users were aged 65 or
over in 2007, in 2009 this rose to 9% of all internet users. Since 2005 there has been an
increase in the proportion of internet users from DE socio-economic groups, from 14% in
2005 to 20% in 2009. Internet users in DE socio-economic groups are significantly more
likely to be aged 16-34 compared to internet users as a whole (53% vs. 39%).

7


Figure 3: Age and socio-economic group profile of internet users: 2005, 2007 and
2009
Age
16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

2005 19% 22% 26% 15% 12% 6%

Internet
2007 19% 22% 25% 17% 11% 6%
users

2009 17% 22% 23% 17% 12% 9%

All adults 2009 14% 18% 20% 15% 15% 18%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Socio-economic group
AB C1 C2 DE

2005 35% 34% 17% 14%

Internet
2007 32% 34% 17% 17%
users

2009 30% 33% 17% 20%

All adults 2009 25% 30% 18% 27%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

IN1/ IN6 – Do you or does anyone in your household have access to the internet at home through a computer or laptop? And do you use the internet
at home?/ Do you ever access the internet anywhere other than in your home at all? (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or anywhere else (1746 in 2005, 1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009). Significance testing shows any
change between 2007 and 2009

3.2 Increase in internet users, both at home and elsewhere

Three in four adults use the internet at home or elsewhere in 2009 (75%), compared to two-
thirds (63%) in 2007 and three-fifths (59%) in 2005. Four in ten of all UK adults (38%) use
the internet both at home and elsewhere, compared to three in ten (29%) in 2007. There has
also been an increase in the proportion of UK adults who use the internet only at home (31%
vs. 26%), but no change in the proportion who use the internet only in other locations (6%
vs. 7%).

8


Figure 4: Where the internet is used by UK adults: 2005, 2007 and 2009
100%

27% Home and elsewhere
29%
80% 38%

23% Home only
60%
26%

9% 31%

40% 7%
Elsewhere only

6%

20% 41%
37%
25%
Don't use

0%
2005 All adults 2007 All adults 2009 All adults
Base: All adults aged 16+ (3244 aged 16+ in 2005, 2905 aged 16+ in 2007, 812 aged 16+ in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between
2007 and 2009

3.3 Adults aged over 65 and those in DE socio-economic groups remain
more likely to be non-users of the internet

One in four UK adults (25%) do not use the internet at home or elsewhere in 2009, and this
is more common among older adults: accounting for four in ten aged 55-64 (39%) and six in
ten aged 65 and over (61%). Non-users of the internet form a higher proportion of adults in
DE socio-economic groups (44%) than in other socio-economic groups or in the adult
population as a whole.

Adults aged over 65 and adults in DE socio-economic groups also stand out from the rest of
the UK adult population, as a minority use the internet at home.

While four in ten of all UK adults (38%) use the internet both at home and elsewhere in
2009, this is more common among those aged 16-24 (60%), those aged 25-34 (51%), and
those in the socio-economic groups AB (56%) and C1 (49%). While three in ten of all UK
adults (31%) use the internet only at home, this is more common among those aged 35-44
(41%) and those in C2 socio-economic groups (41%).

The only people more likely than UK adults as a whole to use the internet in other locations
but not at home are those in the DE socio-economic group (11% vs. 6% of all UK adults).

9


Figure 5: Where the internet is used by UK adults in 2009: by age, gender and socio-
economic group

100%
11%
20% 18%
27% Home and elsewhere
38% 36%
80% 41%
45% 44%
51% 26% 49%
56%
60% 27%

39% 2% Home only
60%
41%
11%
31% 33%
30%
40% 32% 3%
28% 31% Elsewhere only
41%
21% 61% 31% 4%
6% 5% 6%

7% 44%
20% 39%
10% 5%
9% 2% 28%
25% 3% 25% 25%
17% Don't use
12% 15%
10% 11% 10%
0%
Total 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Male Female AB C1 C2 DE

Base: All adults aged 16+ (812 aged 16+, 106 aged 16-24, 126 aged 25-34, 173 aged 35-44, 140 aged 45-54, 106 aged 55-64, 161 aged 65+, 388
male, 424 female, 175 AB, 228 C1, 168 C2, 241 DE). Significance testing shows any difference between any age group and all adults aged 16+,
between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+

3.4 Few adults use any alternative devices to get online

In addition to asking adults about their use of the internet through a computer or laptop at
home, the 2009 survey established the extent to which adults use alternative devices.

While seven in ten UK adults (69%) use the internet at home through a PC or laptop, three in
ten (27%) visit websites via a mobile phone, one in ten (9%) visit websites via a games
console, and less than one in ten (6%) visit websites via a portable media player. The
youngest adults, aged 16-24, are more likely than UK adults as a whole to visit websites
using a mobile phone (50% vs. 27% of all adults) or a games console (18% vs. 9% of all
adults). Almost all of those using these alternative devices to visit websites also use a PC or
laptop to visit websites.

10


Figure 6: Devices used to visit internet websites in 2009, by age
All aged 16+ 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
100%

88%
86%
82%83%
80%79%
80% 77%
74%
71%
69%

58% 57%
60%

50%

40% 37% 36% 35%
33%
29%
27%

18%
20%
14%
12%
9% 10% 10%11%
7% 6% 7%
5% 4% 4% 3%
1% 0%
0%
ANY OF THESE PC or laptop at home Mobile phone Games console Portable media player

IN1/ IN2 – Do you or does anyone in your household have access to the internet at home through a laptop or computer? And do you personally use the
internet at home?/ Do you own and use any of the items shown on this card to visit internet websites? (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (812 aged 16+, 106 aged 16-24, 126 aged 25-34, 173 aged 35-44, 140 aged 45-54, 106 aged 55-64, 161 aged 65+).
Significance testing shows any difference between any age group and all adults aged 16+

3.5 Lack of interest remains the most-mentioned reason for not intending to
get the internet at home

Six in ten of all adults who do not currently have the internet at home say they do not intend
to get internet access at home in the next 12 months. Those who do not intend to get
internet access were asked to say why, without any prompting, and were allowed to
nominate as many different reasons as applied to them. Figure 7 shows a summary of the
reasons given by those who do not intend to get internet access in the next 12 months.

Most give reasons relating to a lack of interest, as in previous years, although this is slightly
less likely than in 2007. There is an increase in the number who do not intend to get internet
access due to reasons relating to cost compared to 2007. In 2009 some 26% of people
without the internet gave reasons relating to ownership/ availability. We will cover this issue
in more detail in our main report in spring 2010, when more data, based on two waves of
research from 2009, will allow us to make comparisons across the different demographic
groups.

11


Figure 7: Reasons for not intending to get home internet access in the next 12
months: 2005, 2007 and 2009 6
Interest Cost Ownership/ availability Knowledge Concerns Access elsewhere
(e.g. Not interested in the (e.g. I can’t afford a (e.g. I don’t have a (e.g. Don’t know how to (e.g. Worried about (e.g. Can use the internet
internet, wouldn’t use it) computer, it’s too computer, not available in use a computer) security/ ID theft) at work/ elsewhere)
expensive) my area)
100%

82 82
80%
71

60%

40% 33
26
21
18
20% 15
7 7
2 2 2 2 1 2
NA NA
0%
2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009

IN19 – Can you tell me what your reasons are for not getting internet access at home? (Unprompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who do not intend to get internet access at home (930 in 2005, 743 in 2007, 172 in 2009). Significance testing shows any
change between 2007 and 2009. Percentages may add to more than 100% as respondents can nominate more than one reason.

3.6 People use media platforms for a variety of reasons

Adults living in a household with a television, those who listen to the radio at home, those
who use the internet at home or elsewhere and those who use a mobile phone were shown
a list of possible reasons for using each of these media, and were asked to say which, if any,
applied to them. Reasons for using each of these four media from the 2009 survey are
shown in Figure 8, with responses ‘stacked’ in order to show the breadth of reasons given
and the differences across media.

The most popular reasons, both for watching television and for listening to radio, are to relax
and to keep up to date with news. The most popular reasons for using the internet are to find
out or learn things, and for contact with other people. The single most popular reason for
using a mobile phone is for contact with other people.

6
The questionnaires used in the 2005 and 2007 surveys did not include non-ownership of equipment
as a possible category for the responses people gave about why they did not intend to get access to
the internet at home. The number of categories was extended in the 2009 survey.

12


Figure 8: Reasons for using key media platforms in 2009
For contact with
other people
(Internet and
Mobile phone only)
To pass the time

58%

40%
For fun
34%
36%
44%

45% To relax
36%
80%
40%

63%
To keep up to date
20% with sports
29%

21% 96%
44% 74% To find out or learn
29% things

8%
55% 16%
49% To keep up to date
39% 4%
4%
7% with news
6%

TV Radio Internet Mobile phone

T15/ R11/ IN42/ M10 – Which, if any of these are reasons why you watch TV/ listen to radio/ use the internet/ use a mobile phone? (prompted
responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ with any TVs (804 in 2009), who listen to radio at home (602 in 2009), who use the internet at home or elsewhere (580 in
2009), who use a mobile phone (723 in 2009). Significance testing shows any differences between one platform and all other platforms

For each of television, radio, the internet and mobile phones, younger adults are more likely
than adults as a whole to say they use media for fun and to pass the time. Males are more
likely than females to say they use each of the four key media to keep up to date with sports,
and males are also more likely than females to use radio and the internet to keep up to date
with news.

Figure 9 shows the reasons for using the internet across the demographic groups in 2009.
Younger adults, aged 16-34, differ from the adult population as a whole in 2009 in their
reasons for using the internet: they are more likely to say they use the internet for contact
with other people (65% vs. 58%), for fun (59% vs. 45%), to relax (48% vs. 40%), or to pass
the time (43% vs. 34%), and less likely to say they use the internet to find out or learn things
(62% vs. 74%). Adults aged 45-54 are more likely than adults as a whole to say they use the
internet to find out or learn things (89% vs. 74%), while the oldest adults, aged 55 and over,
are less likely than adults as a whole to say they use the internet for contact with other
people (46% vs. 58%), for fun (27% vs. 45%), to relax (25% vs. 40%), or to keep up to date
with sports (12% vs. 20%).

The only differences measured between males and females in 2009 are that males are more
likely than females to say they use the internet to keep up to date with news (49% vs. 30%)
or with sports (35% vs. 6%) and to pass the time (39% vs. 30%).

There are relatively few differences between the reasons for using the internet across the
socio-economic groups in 2009, but adults in AB socio-economic groups are more likely than
adults as a whole to say they use the internet to keep up to date with news (52% vs. 39%)
and less likely to say they use the internet to relax (29% vs. 40%) or for fun (35% vs. 45%).
Adults in DE socio-economic groups are less likely than adults as a whole to say they use
the internet to find out or learn things (57% vs. 74%) or to keep up to date with news (24%
vs. 39%).

13


Figure 9: Reasons for using the internet in 2009, by age, gender and socio-economic
group

59%
65%
56% 57%
49% For contact with
58% 64% 61%
39%
other people
43% 59%
28% 58% 38% 35%
To pass the
34% 29% 30% time
46% 48%
43% 34%
59% 30% 47% 52%
45% 40% 35% For fun
26%
41%
40% 42% 29% 50%
38% 27% 42%
40% 48% 46% To relax
20% 35% 23%
25%
22% 38% 21%
20% 19% 47%
23% 12% To keep up to
6%
date with sports
78% 15%
89% 74%
74% 78% 77%
62% 78% 78%
73% To find out or
57% learn things

49% 52% To keep up to
39% 42% 39% 41% 40%
31% 30% 33% date with news
24%

All Adults 16-34* 35-44 45-54 55+* Male Female AB C1 C2 DE

IN42 – Which, if any of these are reasons why you use the internet? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (580 aged 16+ in 2009, 197 aged 16-34, 149 aged 35-44, 111 aged 45-54, 123
aged 55+, 273 male, 307 female, 150 AB, 187 C1, 115 C2, 128 DE). Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all
adults aged 16+, between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base sizes 16-24s and 25-
34s are shown as one group, and 55-64 and 65+ are shown as one group

3.7 Increase in the internet as the most-missed media activity

To understand how much importance people attach to various media, we asked them to say
which single media activity they would miss the most if it were taken away. Among adults as
a whole, television is typically given as the medium they would miss the most (one in two say
this). Compared to 2007, adults are more likely to say they would most miss using the
internet (15% vs. 12%), less likely to say they would miss using a mobile phone (9% vs.
13%) and less likely to say they would miss listening to music on a hi-fi/ CD or tape player
(3% vs. 5%).

14


Figure 10: Most-missed media activity 7: 2005, 2007 and 2009
Watch television
100%

Use the internet via
computer/ laptop
80%
44% Use a mobile phone
52% 51%

Listen to the radio
60%

8% Read newspapers/
magazines
10% 12%
40% 15% Listen to music on a hi-
fi/ CD or tape player
12%
13%
9% Play console/ computer
6%
games
20% 8% 8%
Listen to a portable
13% 5% 4% music device/ MP3
5% 3% player
1% 2%
2% 1%
2%
2%
Watch videos/ DVDs
2% 1% 2%
0%
2005 All adults 2007 All adults 2009 All adults
A2 – Which one of these would you miss doing the most? (Prompted responses, single coded)

0

While adults in all demographic groups (age, gender, socio-economic group) are most likely
to say that television is the medium they would miss the most, there are some key
differences within the overall population of adults in 2009. Younger adults aged 16-34 are
significantly less likely than adults as a whole (40% vs. 51%) to mention television. The
youngest adults, aged 16-24, are more likely than adults as a whole to say they would most
miss using a mobile phone (24% vs. 9%), while adults aged 55-64 and 65+ are less likely to
say they would miss using a mobile phone (2% and 3% vs. 9% of all adults). The oldest
adults, aged 65 and over, are more likely than adults as a whole to say they would miss
listening to radio (15% vs. 8%) or reading newspapers or magazines (8% vs. 4%), and less
likely to say they would miss using the internet (8% vs. 15%).

There are also some differences in the most-missed media activities of adults in specific
socio-economic groups, compared to the adult population as a whole in 2009. Adults in AB
socio-economic groups are less likely than adults as a whole to say they would miss
watching television (42% vs. 51%) and more likely to say they would miss listening to radio
(14% vs. 8%). Adults in DE socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to
say they would miss using a mobile phone (15% vs. 9%) or listening to an MP3 player (4%
vs. 2%), and less likely to say they would miss using the internet (10% vs. 15%).

7
The categories ‘watch television’ or ‘listen to the radio’ do not specify the particular platform being
used for these activities. Future waves of the research will clarify which platform or device is being
referred to by respondents.

15


Figure 11: Most-missed media activity, by age and socio-economic group: 2009

100% 2% 3% 1%
1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2%
3% 1% 1% 4%
2% 2% 2%
1% 2% 2% 4% Use a portable
2% 4% 4% 4% 8% 2% 4% 2%
3% 4% 2% 2% 3% media player
4% 5% 8% 5% 4% 2%
4% 3% 3%
2% 8% 3% Watch videos/
2%
3% 14% 6% 7%
8%
8% 5% DVDs
80% 4% 6% 14% 15% 5%
7% 8% Listen to MP3
9% 24% 8% 15% player
14% 2%
3%
19% 17% 8%
10% Play console/
15% 8%
computer games
60% 15% 10%
21% 14%
Listen to music on
19% hi-fi/ CD/ tape
20%
Read newspapers/
magazines
40%
Listen to radio

58% 59% 57%
55% 53%
51% 53%
49% Use a mobile
42% phone
39% 40%
20%
Use the internet

Watch TV
0%
All aged 16+ 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ AB C1 C2 DE
A2 – Which one of these would you miss doing the most? (Prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (812 aged 16+, 106 aged 16-24, 126 aged 25-34, 173 aged 35-44, 140 aged 45-54, 106 aged 55-64, 161 aged 65+, 175
AB, 228 C1, 168 C2, 241 DE). Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all adults aged 16+, between any socio-
economic group and all adults aged 16+

16


Section 4

4 Using the internet
This section reports on a variety of ways in which the internet can be used. It looks at the
breadth of regular online activities and how these differ across demographic groups, and
then focuses on the types of websites used by those looking for health information and the
extent to which the internet is being used to watch television programmes and films. Finally,
it examines how the internet is being used for social networking.

Key findings

• Compared to 2007, the internet is more likely to be used regularly 8 for content
creation (through social networking sites) (34% vs. 22%) and for entertainment (30%
vs. 22%). These activities are most likely to be undertaken by internet users aged 16-
34.

• Compared to 2007, fewer internet users are regularly carrying out transactions online
(36% vs. 41%) or finding information online for their work/ studies (35% vs. 48%). It is
possible that this change in the range of activities is partly a result of the change in
the profile of internet users since 2007.

• One in four internet users (27%) say they watch or download programmes from UK
TV broadcasters’ websites.

• Almost twice as many internet users have a social networking site profile compared
to 2007, accounting for four in ten of all users (38% vs. 22%).

4.1 Communication remains the most common activity on the internet, with
some changes in what the internet is used for regularly

Adults who use the internet at home or elsewhere were prompted with a range of internet
activities and were asked to say which they ever do, and how often they do each. 9

These uses were grouped into nine types of use, in order to assess breadth of use of the
internet. The categories are:

• Communication – relates to activities such as sending or receiving email or using Instant
Messaging services.

• Transactions – relates to buying or selling things online, banking and paying bills online,
downloading software or gambling online.

• Work/ studies information – relates to finding information online for work or for studies

8
‘Regularly’ refers to an activity carried out at least once a week.
9
These activities in no way represent an exhaustive list of all the potential activities that can be
undertaken online, but were chosen as representing the majority of activities for most people.

17


• Content creation – relates to using social networking sites (such as Facebook, MySpace,
Piczo, Bebo, hi5 or Twitter) or maintaining a website or blog.

• Entertainment – relates to uses such as listening to radio stations online, playing games
online, watching online or downloading video clips, TV programmes or films,
downloading or listening online to music, or looking at adult-only websites.

• News - relates to looking at news websites.

• Leisure information – relates to finding information for booking holidays or finding
information for leisure time such as cinema and live music.

• Public / civic – relates to finding information online about public services provided by
local or national government, or completing government processes online such as
registering for tax credits, renewing a driving licence, car tax, or passport, or completing
a tax return, or looking at political, campaign or issues websites.

• Health – relates to finding information about health-related issues (new in 2009; not
covered in previous surveys).

As in 2007, communication is the most commonly mentioned activity carried out at least
once a week by internet users (76% in both 2009 and 2007). Compared to 2007, fewer
internet users say that they use the internet at least once a week for transactions (36% vs.
41%) and for work/ studies information (35% vs. 48%). Two types of activities see an
increase in weekly use compared to 2007: content creation (34% vs. 22%) and
entertainment (30% vs. 22%). It is possible that some of these changes in the extent to
which some types of online activity are carried out are a result of the change in the profile of
internet users, as mentioned earlier in this report. We will look at this issue in more detail in
the final report, to be published in spring 2010.

Across the eight categories of internet use covered in both surveys (i.e. excluding health),
overall breadth of use of the internet is at a similar level in 2009 as in 2007. Among internet
users in 2009, younger internet users make a broader use of the internet compared to older
users, males make a broader use than females, and those in AB and C1 socio-economic
groups make a broader use than those in C2 and DE socio-economic groups.

Younger internet users, aged 16-34, are more likely than adults as a whole to use the
internet at least weekly for communication (82% vs. 76%), content creation (58% vs. 34%)
and for entertainment (42% vs. 30%). By contrast, older internet users, aged 55 and over,
are less likely than adults as a whole to use the internet at least weekly for each of these
three types of activity.

There are relatively few differences in the types of use made by males and females, but
males are more likely than females to use the internet at least weekly for news (27% vs.
16%), while females are more likely than males to use the internet at least weekly for content
creation (39% vs. 28%).

Internet users in AB socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to use the
internet at least weekly for communication (85% vs. 76%) and for work/ studies information
(46% vs. 35%), but less likely to use the internet at least weekly for entertainment (21% vs.
30%). Those in DE socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to use the
internet at least weekly for entertainment (40% vs. 30%). Internet users in the C2 socio-
economic group appear to make a narrower use of the internet, and are less likely than
adults as a whole to use the internet at least weekly for communication (64% vs. 76%), work/
studies information (20% vs. 35%) and news (13% vs. 21%).

18


Figure 12: Internet activities carried out at least once a week: 2007 and 2009, by age,
gender and socio-economic group

Health (new in 2009)
6%
13%
Public/ civic 17% 9%
8% 6%
22% 16% 19% 11%
8%
14% 9% 7% 19% 18% 11%
11% 7% 20%
Leisure information 14% 17% 17% 11% 13%
42% 11% 24%
14% 27% 15%
24% 21% 16% 22% 27%
16% 5% 15%
News 23% 10% 21% 30% 11%
22% 30% 27% 33% 28% 13%
58% 15%
23% 27% 13% 40%
22% 23% 13% 38%
Entertainment 34% 14% 28%
27% 39% 34%
19%
21% 46% 38%
48% 34% 39%
Content creation 35% 39% 38%
9% 39%
32% 30%
31% 27%
43% 38% 20%
Work/ studies information 41% 36% 32% 37% 36% 43%
32% 29%
32% 29%

Transactions
76% 76% 82% 76% 76% 75% 85% 75%
74% 65% 64% 73%
Communication

2007 2009 16-34* 35-44 45-54 55+* Male Female AB C1 C2 DE

IN13/14 – Could you please tell me from this list the types of things you currently do using the internet, and how often you do each? (prompted
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009, 197 aged 16-34,149 aged 35-44, 111 aged 45-54,
123 aged 55+, 273 Male, 307 Female 150 AB, 187 C1, 115 C2, 128 DE). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009, between
any age group and all adults aged 16+, between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base
sizes 16-24s and 25-34s are shown as one group, and 55-64 and 65+ are shown as one group

4.2 Indications of a shift towards NHS websites for health information

When asked about the types of information they ever use the internet to find, half of all
internet users (48%) said that they ever use the internet ‘to find out more about an illness’;
which is higher than the measures from 2007 (42%) and 2005 (41%). Two groups of internet
users are more likely to look for health information online: females (53%) and those in AB
socio-economic groups (54%).

Those who ever use the internet to find out more about an illness were shown a list of
options and were asked to say which types of websites they tend to look at for this
information. Compared to 2007, use of NHS Direct/ NHS 24 websites has increased (83%
vs. 70%) while use of websites from support groups for particular illnesses/ conditions has
decreased (28% vs. 37%). This increase in use of NHS websites could be related to the
change in the profile of internet users compared to 2007, as reported earlier. Relatively few
people looking for this type of health information say that they use the other types of
websites that we asked about.

19


Figure 13: Internet information sources used for health information: 2005, 2007 and
2009

2005 2007 2009

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

65%
A public site such as NHS Direct/ NHS 24 70%
83%

45%
Support groups for particular illnesses/
37%
conditions
28%

17%
High street chemist such as Boots.co.uk 13%
10%

Blog/ new sgroup/ internet chat room/
5%
social netw orking site
8%

NA 10%
Individual patient's diary or account 6%
7%

NA
Online-only chemist such as
3%
chemist2go.co.uk
5%

IN22 – Which of the following types of websites do you tend to look at to find out more about an illness? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: Adults aged 16+ who use the internet to find out more about an illness (523 in 2005, 691 in 2007, 266 in 2009). Significance testing shows any
change between 2007 and 2009

4.3 One in three UK adults are watching television programmes or films
over the internet

Among UK adults who use the internet at home or elsewhere in 2009 (75% of all UK adults),
three in ten (29%) are watching online, or downloading, TV programmes or films. Almost all
of these are doing so through UK TV broadcasters’ websites, such as BBC iPlayer (27%),
with a much smaller proportion doing so from other websites (9%).

Younger adults aged 16-24 and 25-34 are more likely than all adult internet users to
download or watch TV programmes or films online (40% and 43% vs. 29%), and stand out
as being much more likely to have used websites other than UK TV broadcasters’ websites
to download or watch online (18% vs. 9%). By contrast, downloading or watching TV
programmes or films online is relatively uncommon among internet users aged 55 and over
(11% vs. 29%).

20


Figure 14: Watching television programmes and films online, by age
All aged 16+ 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+*

100%

80%

60%

43%
40% 41%
40% 36%

29%
27% 27% 26%
24% 23%
18% 18%
20%
11% 12%
9%
5% 6%
1%
0%
EITHER OF THESE Watch online or dow nload from UK TV broadcasters' Watch online or dow nload from other w ebsites
w ebsites (examples given, including BBC iPlayer)

IN15 – Do you watch TV programmes or movies in any of the following ways? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (580 aged 16+, 92 aged 16-24, 105 aged 25-34, 149 aged 35-44, 111 aged 45-
54, 123 aged 55+). Significance testing shows any difference between any age group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base sizes those aged
55-64 and 65+ are shown as one group

4.4 Two in five adult internet users have set up a social networking site
profile

In order to understand the extent to which the internet is being used for content creation, we
asked internet users about their interest and experience of a variety of online activities. The
activities that we asked about included uploading content onto a website, creating web
pages, profiles or blogs, and contributing to existing sites or blogs.

Three in five adults (60%) have experience of any of the nine content creation activities that
we asked about. Two additional online activities were included in the 2009 survey: signing
an online petition (20% have done this) and contacting a local councillor or MP online (7%
have done this). Excluding these two activities, there appears to have been an increase in
undertaking content creation activities online compared to 2007 (58% in 2009 vs. 51% in
2007).

As was the case in 2007, the most commonly undertaken content creation activity is
uploading photos to a website, undertaken by two in five adult internet users (43% in both
2009 and 2007). Since 2007, however, there has been a significant increase in two activities:
setting up a social networking site profile (38% vs. 21%) and contributing comments to
someone else’s blog (26% vs. 19%). The proportion of internet users with a social
networking site profile has almost doubled since 2007.

None of the other content creation activities that we asked about were more likely to be
undertaken by internet users in 2009 than in 2007. Indeed, three types of activity show
higher volumes of internet users who say they are not interested in the activity, compared to
2007: uploading photos to a website (44% vs. 39%), setting up a website (71% vs. 67%),
and making a short video and uploading it to a website (81% vs. 77%).

21


Figure 15: Experience of, and interest in, content creation: 2007 and 2009

Done this Interested in doing this Not interested Don't know

2007 43% 18% 39% 1%
Uploaded photos to a website
2009 43% 11% 44% 2%

2007 21% 10% 67% 2%
Set up your own social networking page or
profile 2009 38% 6% 54% 2%

2007 19% 10% 69% 2%
Contributed comments to someone else’s
weblog or blog 2009 26% 8% 64% 2%

2007 NA*
Signed an online petition
2009 20% 8% 70% 3%

2007 15% 17% 67% 2%
Set up your own website
2009 15% 13% 71% 2%

2007 10% 10% 76% 3%
Set up your own weblog/ blog
2009 12% 9% 77% 1%

2007 8% 11% 77% 4%
Contributed to a collaborative website such
as Wikipedia 2009 10% 10% 77% 3%

Made a short video and uploaded it to a 2007 10% 11% 77% 2%
website 2009 9% 7% 81% 2%

2007 NA
Contacted a local councillor or MP online
2009 7% 14% 75% 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

IN23A-I – I’m going to read out a number of things people might do online. Please tell me for each one I read out if you’ve done it, or you’d be
interested in doing it, or not interested. (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009

4.5 The majority of internet users aged 16-34 have a social networking site
profile

While four in ten (38%) of all adult internet users have set up a social networking site page
or profile, there are some key differences within the overall population of internet users.
Internet users aged under 35 are significantly more likely to have a social networking site
profile; with seven in ten 16-24s (68%) and six in ten 25-34s (61%) having a profile
compared to four in ten (38%) of all internet users. Just one in ten internet users aged 55
and over (8%) have a social networking site profile, and those aged 45-54 are also less likely
than all adult internet users (25%) to have a profile.

Females are more likely than males to have a social networking site profile (42% vs. 34%),
and adults in DE socio-economic groups are more likely than the overall adult population to
one (49% vs. 38%). As mentioned earlier, internet users in DE socio-economic groups are
significantly more likely to be aged 16-35, compared to internet users as a whole (53% vs.
39%). This higher incidence of social networking site profiles is likely to be a result of the
younger profile of internet users in DE socio-economic groups.

22


Figure 16: Experience of, and interest in, setting up own social networking site profile:
2009, by age, gender and socio-economic group
Done this Interested in doing this Not interested Don't know

Total 38% 6% 54% 2%

16-24 68% 5% 25% 2%

25-34 61% 8% 31%

35-44 32% 5% 62% 1%
Age

45-54 25% 5% 69%

55+* 8% 7% 81% 4%

Male 34% 6% 58% 3%
Gender
Female 42% 6% 51% 1%

AB 33% 4% 60% 3%

C1 39% 8% 52% 1%
Socio-
economic
group C2 33% 5% 60% 2%

DE 49% 6% 45%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
IN23A – I’m going to read out a number of things people might do online. Please tell me for each one I read out if you’ve done it, or you’d be
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009, 92 aged 16-24, 105 aged 25-34, 149 aged 35-44,
111 aged 45-54, 123 aged 55+, 273 male, 307 female, 150 AB, 187 C1, 115 C2, 128 DE). Significance testing shows any difference between any
age group and all adults aged 16+, between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base
sizes those aged 55-64 and 65+ have been shown as one group

4.6 Growth in social networking site profiles since 2007 is most evident
among 25-34s and DE socio-economic groups

As mentioned previously, the proportion of adult internet users with their own social
networking site profile has almost doubled since 2007 (38% vs. 22%). Figure 17 shows the
proportion of internet users with a social networking site profile in 2007, and from the interim
data for 2009. All demographic groups have seen a significant increase in the experience of
setting up a social networking site profile since 2007, with the exception of adults aged 55
and over (8% vs. 6%).

The growth in social networking site profiles is greatest among adults aged 25-34 (61% vs.
28%), females (42% vs. 22%), and those in DE socio-economic groups (49% vs. 20%).

23


Figure 17: Set up own social networking site profile: 2007 and 2009, by age, gender
and socio-economic group

Total 22%
38%

16-24 54%
68%

25-34 28%
61%

35-44 12%
Age 32%

45-54 7% 2007
25%
2009
55+* 6%
8%

Male 21%
34%

Gender Female 22%
42%

AB 19%
33%

C1 24%
39%
Socio-
economic
C2 23%
group 33%

DE 20%
49%

IN23A – I’m going to read out a number of things people might do online. Please tell me for each one I read out if you’ve done it, or you’d be
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009, 92 aged 16-24, 105 aged 25-34, 149 aged 35-44,
111 aged 45-54, 123 aged 55+, 273 male, 307 female, 150 AB, 187 C1, 115 C2, 128 DE) Significance testing shows any difference between 2007
and 2009, between any age group and all adults aged 16+, between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged
16+. * Due to low base sizes those aged 55-64 and 65+ have been shown as one group

4.7 Facebook is used by nine in ten adults with a social networking site
profile

Those adults with a social networking site profile were asked to say on which sites they had
a page or profile. As in 2007, Facebook is the most commonly-used social networking site,
with a significant increase in the proportion of social networking site users naming it as a site
on which they have a profile (89% vs. 62%) 10. By contrast, the proportions of those with
profiles on MySpace (21% vs. 46%) and on Bebo (19% vs. 32%) have declined since 2007.

10
By way of context, Nielsen NetView figures for April 2009, when fieldwork was carried out, show
that 50.3% of internet users aged 18+ visited Facebook that month, 12.6% visited MySpace, and
10.2% visited Bebo. These NetView figures do not of course mean that visitors were necessarily
visiting their own profile, but give an indication of the relative share of each site.

24


Figure 18: Sites used by those with a social networking site profile: 2007 and 2009
Facebook MySpace Bebo Twitter hi5 Piczo Other site ONE SITE MORE THAN
ONE SITE
100%
89%

80%

67%
62% 61%
60%

46%

39%
40%
32% 33%

21%
19%
20%
9%
6% 7%
4%
2% 2% 2%
NA
0%
07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09 07 09
IN24– You said you had a page or profile on a social networking site… Which different sites like this do you have a page or profile on? (unprompted
Base: All who have set up a social networking site profile (386 in 2007, 206 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009

While relatively few use social networking sites other than Facebook, there are some key
differences within the overall population of social networking site users. Users aged 16-24
are more likely than users as a whole to use Bebo (36% vs. 19%), and males are more likely
than females to use MySpace (28% vs. 15%).

4.8 Increase in frequency of visiting social networking sites

Among those with a social networking site profile, there has been an increase since 2007 in
the percentage visiting any social networking site every day (41% vs. 30%). The proportion
visiting any social networking sites less often than once a week has halved since 2007 (12%
vs. 20%).

Figure 19: Frequency of visiting any social networking sites: 2007 and 2009

Every day Every other day A couple of times a week Once a week Less often

2007 30% 20% 17% 13% 20%

2009 41% 16% 17% 15% 12%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

IN26– How often do you visit any social networking sites (like Facebook, Piczo, Bebo, hi5, Twitter or MySpace)? (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All with a current social networking site profile (347 in 2007, 206 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009

25


4.9 Most social networking site users say their profile can be seen only by
their friends

Those with a social networking site profile were asked whether their profile can be seen by
other people, and if so, whether it can be seen only by their friends, or by anyone. Social
networking site users are now more likely to say they have a profile which can be seen only
by their friends, compared to 2007 (78% vs. 48%).

Figure 20: Visibility of the social networking site profile: 2007 and 2009

Can only be seen by my friends Can be seen by anyone Can't be seen Don't know

2007 48% 44% 6% 3%

2009 78% 18% 3%1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

IN25– And do you know whether this profile can be seen by other people? Who can see it? (prompted responses, single coded)

4.10 Increase in talking to friends and family, and decrease in listening to
music through social networking sites

Those adults with a social networking site profile were shown a list of activities and were
asked to say which, if any, they used social networking sites for. Compared to 2007, social
networking site users now appear to be more likely to use the sites to talk to friends and
family they see a lot (80% vs. 69%) and to those they rarely see (73% vs. 65%).

Social networking site users appear to be less likely to use these sites for three types of
activity compared to 2007: looking at other people’s pages without leaving a message (33%
vs. 40%), listening to music or finding out about bands (18% vs. 29%), and talking to people
they don’t know (11% vs. 17%).

26


Figure 21: Social networking site uses: 2007 and 2009
2007 2009

100%

80%
80%
73%
69%
65%

60%
49%
47%
40%
40% 35%
33% 33%
29%

18% 17%
20%
11%
8%
6%
4%
1%
0%
Talk to friends/ Talk to friends/ Look for old Talk to people Look at other Listen to Talk to people I Look at Any other uses
family I see a family I rarely friends/ people who are friends people's pages music/ find out don't know campaigns and
lot see I've lost touch of friends without leaving about bands petitions
with a message
IN27 – Do you regularly use these social networking sites for any of the things shown on this card? (prompted responses, multi-coded)

27


Section 5

5 Understanding, security and concerns
This section looks at awareness of the main sources of funding for the BBC and commercial
operators, and perceptions of regulation across different communications platforms. The
questions relating to funding and regulation provide insight into the key area of
‘understanding’ within Ofcom’s definition of media literacy. This section also provides a
picture of attitudes towards illegal file sharing. It details the types of checks that internet
users make when visiting new websites and their attitudes towards providing personal
details online. Finally, this section looks at the extent to which adults have concerns about
the main communications platforms and the key types of concerns.

Key findings

• Since 2007, UK adults are less likely to be aware of the main source of funding for
BBC TV programmes (75% vs. 80%), BBC radio stations (55% vs. 62%) and the
BBC website (36% vs. 41%).

• UK adults are now more likely to believe that content is regulated (in terms of what
can be broadcast / shown / written) across each of television (82% vs. 79%), radio
(68% vs. 58%), the internet (38% vs. 26%), mobile phones (25% vs. 20%) and
gaming (36% vs. 29%).

• More UK adults believe that file sharing through downloading shared copies of
copyright music and films should be illegal (42%) than believe it should not be illegal
(33%), and 25% are unsure. Young people aged 16-24 are more likely to say that
such content should not be illegal (55%).

• Internet users appear to be less willing to share personal information online now than
in 2007.

• UK adults are more likely to have concerns about content on the internet (56%) than
content on the other key media platforms (44% television, 24% mobile phones, 23%
gaming, 9% radio).

5.1 Awareness of the licence fee as the main source of funding for BBC TV
programmes, radio stations and website appears to be declining

All adults were asked to say, without prompting, what they believed to be the main source of
funding for television programmes, radio stations and websites. For each medium, questions
were asked about the main source of funding for BBC content and for content from
commercial operators.

Unprompted awareness of the main source of funding is higher for television than for radio,
and considerably lower for the internet, as was also the case in 2007. Unprompted
awareness of the main source of funding for the BBC remains higher than for the
commercial operators, across television, radio and the internet.

28


While most adults say that the licence fee is the main source of funding for BBC television
programmes, the interim data suggest that awareness has declined since 2007 (75% vs.
80%). Similarly, while more than half of all adults say that the licence fee is the main source
of funding for BBC radio stations, awareness also appears to have declined since 2007
(55% vs. 62%).

Around one in three adults say that the licence fee is the main source of funding for the
BBC’s website; this also represents a decline since 2007 (36% vs. 41%).

Responses regarding the main source of funding for television programmes on ITV, Channel
4 and Five, the other main radio stations, and search engine websites such as Google, have
not changed to any significant extent since 2007.

Figure 22: Awareness of the main source of funding for television programmes, radio
stations and websites: 2005, 2007 and 2009

Correct response Incorrect response Don't know
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2005 BBC TV programmes 84% 5% 11%



2005 Commercial TV programmes 76% 11% 13%


2005 BBC radio stations 65% 9% 26%



2005 Commercial Radio stations 61% 10% 29%



2005 BBC w ebsite 46% 13% 41%
2007 BBC w ebsite 41% 13% 46%
2009 BBC w ebsite 36% 14% 49%

2005 Search engine w ebsites 25% 24% 51%



T5-T6/ R4-R5/ IN28-29 - How would you say BBC TV programmes are mainly funded?/ How would you say programmes are mainly funded on ITV,
Channel 4 and Five?/ How would you say BBC radio stations are mainly funded?/ How would you say the other main radio stations are mainly
funded? /How do you think the BBC's website is mainly funded / How do you think search engine websites such as Google or Ask.com are mainly
funded? (unprompted responses, single coded)

Based on the interim data from 2009, there are three groups within the overall adult
population with consistently lower levels of awareness of the licence fee as the main source
of funding for BBC television programmes, radio stations and website: those aged 16-24,
females, and those in DE socio-economic groups.

29


5.2 Adults are now more likely to believe that content is regulated across all
five key platforms

Adults were asked to say whether content is regulated 11 across each of television, radio, the
internet, mobile phone and gaming. Compared to 2007, UK adults are more likely to believe
that content is regulated across all five of these key platforms.

Figure 23: Belief that content is regulated: 2005, 2007 and 2009
Yes No Don't know
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2005 TV 81% 7% 12%

2007 TV 79% 9% 11%

2009 TV 82% 7% 12%

2005 Radio 59% 14% 27%

2007 Radio 58% 14% 28%

2009 Radio 68% 7% 25%

2005 Internet 30% 30% 40%

2007 Internet 26% 33% 41%

2009 Internet 38% 27% 35%

2005 Mobile* 29% 25% 46%

2007 Mobile 20% 31% 49%

2009 Mobile 25% 27% 49%

2005 Gaming NA

2007 Gaming 29% 21% 50%

2009 Gaming 36% 17% 47%

T9/ R8/ IN32/ M6/ G8 - As far as you know, are TV programmes regulated/ is radio regulated in terms of what can be broadcast/ is the internet
regulated in terms of what can be shown and written/ is mobile phone content – such as internet surfing and downloading videos from websites on
your mobile - regulated/ is gaming regulated at all? (prompted responses, single coded)
* NB – Asked about mobile service in 2005 and asked about mobile content in 2007 and 2009

As with the responses regarding the main source of funding, younger adults and those in DE
socio-economic groups are less likely to believe that television and radio content is
regulated. For example, belief that television programmes are regulated is lower among 16-
24s (67% vs. 82% of all adults) and those in DE socio-economic groups (68% vs. 82% of all
adults). For both television and radio, those who do not say that content is regulated are
more likely to say they don’t know, than to say that the content is not regulated.

The increase since 2007 in the proportion of adults who believe that internet content is
regulated (38% vs. 26%) is evident across most of the demographic groups within the 2009
interim data. Those aged 35-44 are most likely to hold this belief (46% vs. 38%).

11
The following definition was offered as an explanation of a regulator. “A regulator is often called a
“watchdog” – it sets rules or guidelines about content. People can also complain to the regulator if
they feel something was inappropriate - perhaps because it was offensive, harmful, inaccurate or
unfair.”

30


5.3 Increase in belief that types of online content are regulated

We asked people whether they thought programmes or clips shown on broadcasters’ own
websites, or sites likes YouTube, and home-made videos made by the general public, were
regulated or not. Adults were shown a list of different types of online content and were asked
to say which, if any, are regulated 12 in terms of what can be shown on the internet.
Compared to 2007, adults are more likely to believe that programmes or clips of
programmes shown on broadcasters’ websites (such as the BBC website or the ITV website)
are regulated (32% vs. 27%). Adults are also more likely now than in 2007 to believe that
content on sites such as YouTube is regulated (21% vs. 12%). Close to half of all UK adults
(45%) are unsure whether any of the types of online content that we asked about are
regulated.

Figure 24: Belief that online content is regulated: – 2007 and 2009

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2007 27%
Programmes or clips of programmes shown on
broadcasters' own website - e.g. the BBC
website, the ITV website etc.
2009 32%

2007 12%
Programmes or clips of programmes shown on
sites such as YouTube/ Home-made videos
made by the general public shown on sites such
as YouTube* 2009 21%

IN34 – Which, if any, of the following do you think are regulated in terms of what can be shown on the internet? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009
* ‘Home-made’ added to description in 2009

5.4 16-24s are most likely to say file sharing of copyright content should not
be illegal

It is illegal to share copies of copyright content without the permission of the rights holder.

As to whether downloading music and films in this way should be illegal, more adults
believe that it should be illegal (42%) than believe it should not be illegal (33%), with the
remainder (25%) unsure. The youngest adults, aged 16-24, are the only group within the
adult population in which the majority say that downloading music and films in this way
should not be illegal (55% vs. 33% of all adults). Adults aged 65 and over are more likely
than adults as a whole to say they don’t know (37% vs. 25%), and this is also true of females
compared to males (29% vs. 21%).

Those in AB socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to say that
downloading music and films in this way should be illegal (50% vs. 42%).

12
The following definition was offered as an explanation of a regulator. “A regulator is often called a
“watchdog” – it sets rules or guidelines about content. People can also complain to the regulator if
they feel something was inappropriate - perhaps because it was offensive, harmful, inaccurate or
unfair.”

31


Figure 25: Attitudes towards illegal file sharing, by age, gender and socio-economic
group
Yes - should be illegal No - should not be illegal Don't know

All adults 42% 33% 25%

16-24 32% 55% 14%

25-34 47% 33% 20% x

35-44 38% 38% 25%
Age
45-54 37% 38% 25%

55-64 51% 21% 28%

65+ 48% 15% 37%

AB 50% 29% 21%

Socio- C1 42% 33% 25%
economic
group C2 40% 35% 25%

DE 37% 35% 29%

Male 45% 35% 21%
Gender
Female 40% 31% 29%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
IN39 – (EXPLANATION OF SHARED CONTENT AND THAT THIS IS OFTEN ILLEGAL) Do you think that downloading music and movies for free in this
way should be illegal? (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (812 aged 16+, 106 aged 16-24, 126 aged 25-34, 173 aged 35-44, 140 aged 45-54, 106 aged 55-64, 161 aged 65+, 175 AB,
228 C1, 168 C2, 241 DE, 388 male, 424 female). Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all adults aged 16+, between
any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+, between males and females

5.5 One quarter of internet users now say they visit “lots” of new websites
most weeks

One-third (35%) of adults who use the internet at home or elsewhere only use websites that
they have used before in most weeks when they use the internet; this was also the case in
2007. There has, however, been an increase in the share of internet users who say they visit
‘lots’ of new websites most weeks (23% vs. 19% in 2007), at the expense of the share of
internet users who say they visit ‘maybe one or two’ websites that are new to them (39% vs.
45% in 2007).

Among internet users in the 2009 survey, those aged 55 and over are less likely than all
internet users to say that they visit lots of new websites in most weeks when they use the
internet (14% vs. 23%).

32


Figure 26: Visits to new websites in most weeks when the internet is used
100% 2% 3% 2% 5% 5%

19% 13% Don't know
23% 29% 25% 22%
80%

Visit lots of websites that you
60% 45% haven't visited before
45%
39% 33% 39%
45%

40% Visit maybe one or two sites
that you haven't visited before

20% 37% 37%
35% 35% 34%
28% Only use websites that you've
used before

0%
2007 2009 16-34* 35-44 45-54 55+*
IN12 – In most weeks when you use the internet, would you say that you… (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 aged 16+ in 2007, 580 aged 16+ in 2009, 197 aged 16-34, 149 aged 35-
44, 111 aged 45-54, 123 aged 55+). Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base
sizes 16-24s and 25-34s are shown as one group, and 55-64 and 65+ are shown as one group

5.6 Eight in ten users say they make some sort of check when visiting new
websites

All adults who use the internet at home or elsewhere were asked to think about new
websites they visit and the types of checks they would make. Figure 27 excludes those who
stated that they do not visit new websites, and shows the types of checks made in 2009.

While eight in ten (79%) users who ever visit new websites indicated that they make any of
the ten types of checks we asked about, the check most commonly made (checking for a
padlock or other secure symbol) is undertaken by just four in ten (38%) internet users.

Figure 27: Types of checks made when visiting new websites: 2009

100%

79%
80%

60%

38%
40% 34% 32%
27%
25% 25% 24% 23%
20%
20%
11%

0%
ANY OF If there is a Whether it is How up to The overall Check some Ask If there is a If there are If you have Who has
THESE padlock or a company date the look and feel types of someone kitemark or links to the heard of the created the
other symbol you have information of the site information else if they other symbol site from site on TV/ web page
to indicate heard of is across a have been to to indicate a another radio or in a and for what
the site is number of the website quality trusted site newspaper/ reason
secure sites to be standard magazine
sure it's
correct
IN16 – Thinking about new websites you visit… Which, if any, of these things would you check? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: Adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere and who visit new websites (530 aged 16+)

33


Within the overall population of internet users, those aged 55 and over are less likely to
make any of the types of checks that we asked about (74% vs. 79%).

5.7 Internet users appear to be less happy to share personal information
online compared to 2007

When registering on a website, users may be asked to provide several types of personal
details. We asked internet users to consider six types of personal information and tell us how
they would feel about entering these details online.

Compared to 2007, internet users are less happy to provide most of the six types of personal
information. The information that internet users are most likely to be happy to provide is their
email address, but this has declined since 2007 (41% vs. 49%).

Close to two in ten internet users said they would never provide their home address details,
which is higher than the comparable finding from 2007 (17% vs. 13%). Similarly, it appears
that internet users are more likely to say they would not provide their credit card details to
pay online compared to 2007 (21% vs. 17%). Within the population of internet users from the
2009 interim study, it appears that those aged 55 and over are more likely to say they would
never provide their credit card (33% vs. 21% of all internet users) or debit card number (35%
vs. 23%) to pay online.

Fewer internet users told us that they would be happy to provide their mobile phone number
than in 2007 (26% vs. 34%), with users saying they would have some concerns about this
(47% vs. 43%) or that they would never do this (23% vs. 19%). Similarly, fewer internet
users told us that they would be happy to provide their home phone number, than in 2007
(25% vs. 30%).

It is possible that these changes in the extent to which internet users are prepared to provide
personal information are a result of the change in the profile of internet users, as referred to
earlier in this report. We will look at this issue in more detail in the final report, to be
published in spring 2010.

34


Figure 28: Personal details prepared to enter online: 2005, 2007 and 2009
Happy to do this Have some concerns about doing this Would never do this Not applicable/ I don't have this Don't know

2005 54% 34% 9%
Entering your personal email
2007 49% 38% 9%
address
2009 41% 45% 10%

2005 36% 46% 16%
Entering your home address
2007 35% 50% 13%
details
2009 30% 50% 17%

2005 28% 48% 18%
Paying by entering your credit
2007 30% 49% 17%
card details
2009 27% 48% 21%

2005 34% 37% 25%
Entering your mobile phone
2007 34% 43% 19%
number
2009 26% 47% 23%

2005 30% 44% 24%
Entering your home phone
2007 30% 46% 21%
number
2009 25% 47% 24%

2005 26% 48% 22%
Paying by entering your debit
2007 27% 49% 20%
card details
2009 25% 49% 23%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
IN36A-F – I’m going to read out some types of information you could be asked to enter when you’re on the internet, and for each one I’d like you to
say how you would feel about doing this in terms of any security concerns. (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: Adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1468 in 2005, 1723 in 2007, 580 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change
between 2007 and 2009
Source: Ofcom research, fieldwork carried out by Saville Rossiter-Base in October-December 2007

Internet users were asked to self-assess their confidence as an internet user, using a five-
point scale ranging from ‘very confident’ to ‘not at all confident’. Across all internet users, half
(53%) say they are very confident and one-third (33%) say they are fairly confident - just
over one in ten (14%) are not confident internet users. As shown in Figure 29, internet users
aged 16-34 are more likely to say they are very confident, compared to all internet users
(69% vs. 53%). Those aged 55 and over (32% vs. 53%) and adults in C2 socio-economic
group (42% vs. 53%) are less likely to say they are very confident. Males are more likely
than females to say they are very confident (60% vs. 47%).

35


Figure 29: Confidence as an internet user
Very confident Fairly confident Neither/ nor Not very confident Not at all confident Don't know

All adults 53% 33% 7% 3% 3%1%

16-34* 69% 25% 5% 1%

35-44 48% 35% 8% 6% 3%

45-54 51% 32% 8% 5% 4% 1%

55+* 32% 46% 11% 4% 5% 2%

Male 60% 29% 7% 3%1%

Female 47% 37% 8% 3% 5%

AB 54% 33% 7% 4% 1%

C1 58% 31% 5% 3% 3%

C2 42% 39% 9% 4% 4% 2%

DE 53% 30% 11% 3% 3%1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
IN10D – Overall then, how confident are you as an internet user? (prompted responses, single coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (580 aged 16+, 197 aged 16-34, 149 aged 35-44, 111 aged 45-54, 123 aged
55+, 273 male, 307 female, 150 AB, 187 C1, 115 C2, 128 DE). Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all adults
aged 16+, between males and females, between any socio-economic group and all adults aged 16+. * Due to low base sizes 16-24s and 25-34s are
shown as one group, and 55-64 and 65+ are shown as one group

There appears to be a relationship between confidence as an internet user and how users
feel about entering their personal information online. Those who say they are very confident
as an internet user are more likely than others to say they would be happy to provide the
specified types of personal information online. For example, those who say they are very
confident are more likely to say they would be happy to pay by entering their credit card
details, compared to all internet users (37% vs. 27%).

Having asked internet users to tell us how they would feel about entering personal details
online, we then asked them to say whether they would make a judgement about a website
before entering these types of details. Internet users were not prompted with any types of
checks they might make.

Responses have been grouped into the three broad types of checks made:

• professional signs (such as a padlock);

• personal instinct (such as a known company name, a professional appearance); and

• peer signs (such as an online review or a recommendation from a friend).

As in 2007, internet users are most likely to make judgements about websites based on
professional signs, with this type of judgement made by around half (45% vs. 48% in 2007),
before entering any personal details. Over four in ten make judgements based on personal
instinct (42% vs. 45% in 2007), with relatively few making judgements based on peer
reviews (21% vs. 24% in 2007).

The number of internet users who say they would not make any kind of judgement of a
website before entering personal details, has increased since 2007 (15% vs. 11%).

36


Figure 30: Judgements made about a website before entering personal details: 2005,
2007 and 2009

Professional signs Personal instinct Peer signs Would not trust any site Would not make a
(e.g. Kitemark, padlock, system (e.g. Company I’ve heard of, (e.g. Peer review, judgement
messages) looks professional) recommendation from friends)
100%

80%

60%
47% 48%
45% 45%
40% 42%
40%

24%
19% 21%
20% 13%
15%
11%
8% 6% 8%

0%
2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009

IN37 – Could you tell me whether you would make a judgement about a website before entering these types of details? (credit/ debit card details,
home/ mobile number, home/ e-mail address) How would you judge whether a website is secure? (unprompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: Adults aged 16+ who use the internet at home or elsewhere (1723 in 2005, 1468 in 2007, 580 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change

5.8 Fewer adults appear to have concerns about each of the five key
platforms, compared to 2007

We asked people, regardless of whether they used each platform, to say whether they have
any concerns about what is on television, radio, the internet, mobile phones and gaming.
People could mention any types of concerns they have about the platform in question, or tell
us that they don’t have any concerns about the platform, or say that they don’t know. Figure
31 compares the overall mentions of any concerns for each of the key platforms in 2005,
2007 and 2009.

People have most concerns about what is on the internet and what is on television,
compared with other platforms, as was the case in 2007. The proportion of adults mentioning
any concerns has decreased since 2007 for each of television, radio, the internet, mobile
phones and gaming. For television, radio and the internet, the proportion of adults with any
concerns appears to be closer to the levels found in 2005 than the levels found in 2007.
Concerns about mobile phones appear to be on a steady decline since 2005. We did not ask
about concerns about gaming in the 2005 survey.

37


Figure 31: Concerns about platforms: 2005, 2007 and 2009

Television Radio Internet Mobile phone Gaming
100%

80%

63%
58%
60% 55% 56%

46% 44%
40%
40% 34%
30%
24% 23%
20%
12%
9% 9%

NA
0%
2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009

T7/ R6/ IN30/ M4/ G6 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about what is on TV/ radio/ the internet/ mobile phones/ gaming? (unprompted
Base: Adults aged 16+ (3244 in 2005, 2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change between 2007 and 2009

5.9 Adults are more likely to have concerns about the internet than other
media platforms

When asked if they have any concerns about what is on the internet, six in ten adults (56%)
told us about the concerns they have. These relate mainly to concerns which could be
categorised as relating to offensive/ illegal content (43%), with fewer mentions of concerns
relating to security/ fraud (20%) or relating to a risk to others or to society as a whole (18%).
The top three specific 13 concerns about the internet, mentioned by adults, are: sexual
content/ pornography (28%), content unsuitable for children (23%), and websites showing
abuse of children (13%). Adults aged 35-44 (66%) are more likely than adults as a whole
(56%) to have any concerns about the internet.

Figure 32: Concerns about the internet, by age

All adults 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

100%

80%
66%

63%
58%

58%

60% 56%
52%
51%
49%

43%

43%

42%

43%
35%

40%
31%

27%
25%

23%

21%

21%
20%
19%

19%

20%
17%

18%
15%
14%

14%

14%

20%
13%

12%
10%

10%

10%
9%

9%

9%
8%

8%

6%
5%

3%

0%
Any concerns Offensive/ illegal content Security/ fraud Risks to others/ society Personal Privacy Advertising

IN30 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about what is on the internet? (Spontaneous responses, multi-coded)
Base: Adults aged 16+ (812 aged 16+, 106 aged 16-24, 126 aged 25-34, 173 aged 35-44, 140 aged 45-54, 106 aged 55-64, 161 aged 65+).
Significance testing shows any differences between any age group and all adults aged 16+

13
These specific (unprompted) concerns are then placed into the categories described.

38


When asked if they have any concerns about what is on television, four in ten adults (44%)
told us about the concerns they have. These relate mainly to concerns which could be
categorised as relating to offensive content (28%) and poor quality content or repeats (23%).
The top three specific concerns about television, mentioned by adults, are: bad
language/swearing (16%), violence (16%) and sex/ nudity (10%). Adults aged 55-64 (61%)
and those aged 65 and over (61%) are more likely to have any concerns about television
than adults as a whole (44%).

Figure 33: Concerns about television, by age

All adults 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

100%

80%
61%
61%

60%
45%
42%

44%
39%

39%
35%

40%

33%
31%

30%
28%
25%
24%
23%

22%

23%
20%
18%

20%
11%

11%
10%

9%
8%

7%
7%

6%

6%

5%
4% 4%

3%

3%
2%

2%
0%
Any concerns Offensive content Quality of content/ repeats Advertising/ sponsorship Don't trust/ fixed/ biased

T7 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about what is on TV? (Spontaneous responses, multi-coded)

When asked if they have any concerns about mobile phones, two in ten of all adults (24%)
told us about the concerns they have. No single category of concern dominates, with broadly
equal mentions of concerns which could be categorised as relating to risks to others or to
society as a whole (10%), health concerns (9%), and concerns relating to affordability (7%).
The top three specific concerns about mobile phones mentioned by adults are: health
concerns about using a handset (7%), the general cost of making calls (5%) and health
concerns about mobile signal masts (5%). Adults aged 55-64 (34%) are more likely to have
any concerns about mobile phones than adults as a whole (24%).

39


Figure 34: Concerns about mobile phones, by age

All adults 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

100%

80%

60%
34%

40%
29%
25%
24%

24%
20%

19%
14%

14%
20%
11%
11%

11%
10%

10%

10%

10%

10%
10%

9%
9%

8%

8%

8%

8%
7%

7%

6%
6%
6%

6%
6%

5%
5% 5%
4%

4%
3%

3%

3%
2%

1%
0%
0%
Any concerns Risks to others/ society Health Affordability Privacy Security/ fraud

M4 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about mobile phones? (Spontaneous responses, multi-coded)

When asked if they have any concerns about gaming, two in ten adults (23%) told us about
the concerns they have. These relate mainly to concerns which could be categorised as
relating to offensive content (18%). The top three specific concerns about gaming mentioned
by adults are: violent content (14%), content unsuitable for children (10%) and bad
language/swearing (5%). Adults aged 35-44 (39%) are more likely to have any concerns
about gaming than adults as a whole (23%).

Figure 35: Concerns about gaming, by age

All adults 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

100%

80%

60%
39%

40%
33%
26%
25%
21%

21%

23%
17%

16%

18%
14%

20%
11%

11%

9%
8%

7%
7%

7%

6%
5%

5%

4%

4%
3%

3%

3%
2%

2%

2%

2%
1%

1%

1%
1%

1%

0%
Any concerns Offensive content Risks to others/ society Affordability Health

G6 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about gaming? (Spontaneous responses, multi-coded)

When asked if they have any concerns about what is on radio, one in ten adults (9%) told us
about the concerns they have. No single type of concern dominates, with broadly equal
mentions of concerns which could be categorised as relating to offensive content (5%), poor
quality content or repeats (3%) and concerns relating to advertising or sponsorship (3%).
The top three specific concerns about radio mentioned by adults are: bad taste/ shock
tactics (3%), bad language/swearing (3%) and too many advertising breaks (2%). No single
age group is more likely to have concerns about radio, compared to adults as a whole.

40


Figure 36: Concerns about radio, by age

All adults 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%
13%
10%
9%

9%
8%

8%

8%
7%
6%

6%

5%
5%
4%

4%

4%

4%

4%
3%
3%

3%
3% 3%

2%

2%
2%
1%

1%

1%

1%

1%
1%

1%
1%

0%

0%
0%
Any concerns Offensive content Quality of content/ repeats Advertising/ sponsorship Don't trust/ fixed/ biased
R6 – Can you tell me if you have any concerns about what is on radio? (Spontaneous responses)

41


Section 6

6 Learning
This section looks at adults’ preferred methods of learning about digital technology, as well
as their experience of, and interest in, learning.

Key findings

• Most UK adults have a preferred way to learn about digital technology (93%), but this is
less common among adults aged 65 and over (84%). Of the five methods that we asked
about, the most preferred ways of learning about digital technology are by reading the
manual/ instructions (49%), by asking friends or family (45%) and through trial and error
(42%). Fewer adults say they prefer to learn through asking the supplier or store (14%)
or by going to a class (10%).

• Few UK adults have experience of formal learning about digital technology or are
interested in learning more. Those aged 65 and over are less likely than UK adults as a
whole to be interested (18% vs. 30%).

6.1 Most adults have a preferred way to learn about digital technology

Adults were shown a list of ways of learning about digital technology and were asked to say
which they prefer. Informal learning methods such as reading the manual (49%) or learning
from friends and family (45%) are more popular than attending a class (10%). Compared to
2007, more adults said they prefer to learn through reading a manual (49% vs. 45%) or
attending a class (10% vs. 6%), but the overall picture of preferred ways to learn is very
similar.

Figure 37: Preferred ways to learn about digital technology: 2005, 2007 and 2009

2005 2007 2009

100%

80%

60%
49% 48%
46% 45% 45%
41% 40% 42%
40% 36%

20%
12% 12% 14% 10% 10%
8% 9%
6% 7%

0%
Read the manual Ask friends/ family Trial and error Supplier/ Store Go to a class None

Z5 – We have discussed digital television and radio, the internet, mobile phones and games players. Which of these are ways you prefer to learn
about using such services or products? (prompted responses, multi-coded)

42


Based on the interim data from the 2009 survey, there are a number of differences between
demographic groups in relation to their preferred ways to learn about digital technology.
Those aged 25-34 are more likely than adults as a whole to say they prefer to learn through
trial and error (59% vs. 42%) while those aged 45-54 are more likely than adults as a whole
to say they prefer to learn from reading the manual or following the instructions (64% vs.
49%). Adults aged 65 and over are more likely than adults as a whole to say that they do not
have a preferred way to learn about digital technology (16% vs. 7%).

Males are more likely than females to prefer to learn about digital technology through trial
and error (51% vs. 34%) or through the supplier or store (18% vs. 10%), while females are
more likely than males to say they prefer to learn through friends and family (55% vs. 35%).

Adults in AB socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to say they prefer
to learn from reading the manual or following the instructions (57% vs. 49%) or attending a
class (15% vs. 10%), while adults in C2 socio-economic group are more likely than adults as
a whole to say they prefer to learn through friends and family (54% vs. 45%).

6.2 One in four adults have experience of formal learning about digital
technology

Across all UK adults, a minority say they have experience of ‘formal learning’, through
classes or training, about any of the aspects of digital technology that we asked about.
Experience of formal learning about digital technology appears to have declined since 2007
(23% vs. 27%). The only type of learning experienced by more than one in ten adults relates
to how to use the internet (17%), as was also the case in 2007 (20%). One in ten adults say
they have learned about using the internet safely (9%), which was not addressed by the
2007 survey.

Figure 38: Experience of formal learning about digital technology: 2005, 2007 and
2009

ANY How to use the Using the Creating a Editing digital Setting controls Setting controls Sending photos using
internet* internet safely website pictures or digital for websites on your TV a mobile phone
video
100%

80%

60%

40%

27%
22% 23%
20%
20% 17% 17%

9%
6% 6% 6% 6% 6%
4% 3% 3% 4% 4% 4% 3%
2% 2% 2%
NA NA
0%
2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009
Z6 – Thinking about the types of things you might learn about TV, the internet, mobile phones and so on… Which, if any, of these you have learned
about through classes, training or any other type of formal learning? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (Shows responses from 3% or more) (3244 in 2005, 2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009). Significance testing shows any change
between 2007 and 2009. * Amended from ‘Using the internet’ in 2005 and 2007

Within the interim data from the 2009 survey, experience of formal learning about digital
technology is less likely among those aged 65 and over compared to adults as a whole (17%
vs. 23%). The youngest adults, aged 16-24, are more likely than adults as a whole to have

43


experience of learning about creating a website (12% vs. 6%) and sending photos using a
mobile phone (7% vs. 3%).

Experience of learning about digital technology does not appear to differ between males and
females. Adults in AB socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to have
experience of learning about using the internet safely (15% vs. 9%).

6.3 A minority of adults are interested in learning more about digital
technology

Across all UK adults, a minority say they would be interested in learning more about any of
the aspects of digital technology that we asked about. Levels of interest in learning more
about digital technology at an overall level have not changed since 2007 (30% vs. 31%), and
this is also true for each of the ways of learning that we asked about.

Figure 39: Interest in learning about digital technology: 2005, 2007 and 2009

ANY How to use the Creating a Using the Editing digital Setting controls How the media is How programmes are
internet* website internet safely pictures or digital for websites funded made
video
100%

80%

60%

40%
32% 31%
30%

20%
14%
12%
9% 10%
8% 9% 8%
6% 7% 6% 6% 5%
3% 4% 4% 3% 3% 4% 3%
NA NA
0%
2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009 2005 2007 2009

Z7 – Which, if any, of these you would you be interested in learning more about? (prompted responses, multi-coded)
Base: All adults aged 16+ (Shows responses from 3% or more) (3244 in 2005, 2905 in 2007, 812 in 2009) ). Significance testing shows any change
* Amended from ‘Using the internet’ in 2005 and 2007

Within the interim data from the 2009 survey, interest in learning more about digital
technology is less likely among those aged 65 and over compared to adults as a whole (18%
vs. 30%). However, those aged 55-64 are more likely than all adults to be interested in
learning about how to use the internet (18% vs. 9%) and using the internet safely (16% vs.
8%). While the overall proportion interested in learning about digital technology does not
differ by gender, males are more likely than females to be interested in learning about
creating a website (11% vs. 7%).

Adults in DE socio-economic groups are more likely than adults as a whole to be interested
in learning about how to use the internet (14% vs. 9%), while those in AB socio-economic
groups appear to be more likely than adults as a whole to be interested in learning about
how programmes are made (6% vs. 3%).

44

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