Social Media Behaviour: 8 Surprising Facts
Current social media behaviour plays a massive part in modern life, dictating how we communicate, shop, and view the world. Many people use these platforms every single day. We connect with friends, follow the news, and find funny videos. Yet, the real numbers behind our scrolling habits often shock us. We think we know how people use social media. However, some usage statistics actually surprise even the experts. This post highlights eight unexpected facts about social media use, focusing on the United Kingdom.
How We Spend Our Time Online
Less Time Than You Think
People often feel that their routine social media behaviour results in spending many hours online every single day. They believe this activity takes up a huge chunk of their day. Surprisingly, UK adults spend an average of one hour and 37 minutes daily on social platforms. This number is actually an 11% drop from the previous year. We clearly use the internet for many other things, not just social networking.
TikTok Dominates Monthly Hours
People may spend less time on social media overall. However, some platforms command intense user attention. Users on the TikTok Android app spend a remarkable 42 hours a month on the platform. This amount is more than double the time they spend on YouTube. TikTok’s short-form video format clearly keeps users highly engaged.
Unexpected Demographics and Social Media Behaviour
Teens are Not the Only Ones Using Social Media
We often assume only young people use these apps constantly. Yet, almost all internet users in the UK use social media. 79% of the total UK population actively use a platform. This figure means over 54 million people are logging in regularly. Social media is now a tool for almost every generation.
Children Start Platforms Very Early
A concerning statistic shows that early adoption is increasing. 63% of 8- to 11-year-old children in the UK report using social media. This early exposure raises ongoing questions about online safety. Therefore, we must consider better education for both parents and children.
Adults Also Find News on Social Media
Facebook is not only for sharing photos of the family pet. Instead, it acts as a major source of news for many. Facebook was the third most used source of news in the UK in a recent year. This ranking put it above traditional broadcasters and newspapers. We must consider social media’s role in shaping public knowledge.
Social Media Behaviour Impacts Business Marketing
Platform Shopping Grows the Fastest
Social platforms are no longer just for conversation. They have become major shopping channels. 85% of UK retailers confirm that ‘social commerce’ is their fastest-growing sales channel. This trend demonstrates a clear shift in consumer buying habits. People now buy directly through apps like Instagram and TikTok.
People Use Many Different Platforms
An average UK person does not stick to just one app. Instead, they use a surprisingly high number of platforms. The average person uses 6.3 different social media platforms per month. Therefore, brands need a strategy across many different channels.
Women Use Instagram More Than Men
Furthermore, gender splits vary significantly between different platforms. For instance, the distribution on Instagram leans heavily female. Specifically, 55% of UK Instagram users are women. Consequently, marketers must use this vital information to target products better. Ultimately, understanding these differences proves key for effective campaigns.
Summary of Key Insights
These key figures help us to better understand our evolving social media behaviour and our daily digital lives. Time spent varies greatly depending on the platform. Furthermore, all age groups participate, including very young children. Ultimately, social media is much more than a simple distraction. It has become a key part of commerce, news consumption, and daily life.
