Online age: how Australia is using the web

LISA ROBINSON
September 28, 2016
Australian Associated Press
A new survey by NBN Co has broken down what different generations are doing online.
* WHAT WE’RE DOING ONLINE
Social media is the number one activity for Gen Z and Gen Y while email topped the list for Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Online banking, paying bills and making online purchases are high priorities across all generations.
* DITCHING EMAIL FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
At least 90 per cent of Baby Boomers and Gen X use email but only 83 per cent of Gen Y and 72 per cent of Gen Z use email to communicate.
Younger age groups prefer to stay in touch via social media and instant messaging apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp.
Video calling use via Skype and FaceTime is pretty consistent across the board, with between 45 to 55 per cent of each generation using the two-way communication tool.
* WHAT THE YOUNG AND OLD ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY
* Baby Boomers are more likely to send digital greeting cards, use local government websites, research travel, view online catalogues and download e-books.
* Gen X are using the internet to keep their kids entertained, look up educational institution websites, study and research for an assignment.
* Gen Y are the online gamers. They’re also into uploading and sharing content, sharing email to get discounts, organising events on social media, discussing fitness and sport and getting relationship advice online.
* Gen Z is all about education and keeping in touch with friends. They’re studying course content, managing course requirements and engaging with other students online. Instant messaging, video subscriptions and music services are also common amongst youngsters.
Source: NBN Broadband Index