Usage Patterns
| Total Online Population (000's) in 2009 | 7292 |
| Percentage of Population Online in 2009 | 70.0% |
Demographics
There were 7,292,300 internet users in Belgium (representing 70.0% of the population) in December 2009, according to Internet World Stats. This was up by 264.6% compared to 2000. (Internet World Stats, April 2010)
Social Networking and UGC
More than 370,000 (374,000) over-50s in Belgium (3 out of 10 online overs-50s) belong to at least 1 social network, according to research by InSites Consulting regarding awareness and use of social networks in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. Facebook is the most popular social network in this target group: 47% know it and 14% are a member.
Social networks are mainly used for private purposes and less so for professional purposes. For the latter, LinkedIn is the most popular network. Belgium and the Netherlands are trailing behind the UK as far as the awareness and membership of social networks is concerned amongst online over-50s.
InSites Consulting believe that their research clearly dispels the myth that social networks and interactive websites are used only by young people. Today Facebook is popular amongst over-50s and this will be more so in the future. Many people in this target group realise very well that membership of a social network is necessary to communicate with young people and most simply really enjoy it. (InSites Consulting, April 2009)
Last Updated on Friday, 18 June 2010 15:55
