UK social networking population to reach 50% by 2013

Online market research firm eMarketer estimates that 39% of UK internet users – more than 15.4 million people – will use social networks at least once per month in 2009.

It predicts that growth will continue, though at slightly slower rates after 2010, and by 2013 the social networking population in the UK is expected to reach 21.9 million and represent 50% of internet users.

Karin von Abrams, eMarketer senior analyst, said: “Most early adopters of social media in the UK were young and male.

“And while older users – especially those ages 65 and up – still lag in social media usage, the appeal of Facebook and the spread of professional social networking among UK employees are boosting takeup in other age groups.”