Internet banking more popular than Facebook and Twitter
New research from N&P (Norwich and Peterborough Building Society) reveals that UK adults spend a massive 143 million hours (or 173 minutes per person) of their own leisure time online each day, with general research websites and Internet banking being the most used types of website, relegating Facebook and Twitter into third place.
The research, which marks the launch of N&P's revamped and easier to use Internet banking website, also shows that 3 in 10 UK adults (29%) spend over 3 hours online outside of work, with almost 7½ million (15%) UK adults spending more than 5 hours of their own time online each day, or over 35 hours a week.
Ewan Edwards, head of current accounts at N&P said: "N&P was one of the first current account providers to introduce online banking almost 14 years ago, and since then the Internet has expanded beyond our wildest dreams, with all manner of websites and uses to make everyday life as easy as possible.
"On one level some will find it a major concern that millions of people are spending the equivalent amount of their own time online as many would spend in a working week. One reassuring element, however, is that people are taking an avid interest in their finances by using Internet banking, with almost two thirds (62%) of people logging on to Internet banking at least once a week, with one in five (18%) logging on every day.
"We have spoken to our members and listened to what they have to say in developing our Internet banking site, and by improving the layout, with better navigation, making it easier to use."
The research revealed:
Overall 75% of people use Internet banking regularly, with 3 in 10 (30%) of those aged 55 and over citing Internet banking as one of the most common types of website they use
One quarter (25%) of those aged 55 and over spend three hours or more on the Internet every day, and 12% admit to spending over 35 hours of their own time online each week.
One quarter (23%) of 18 to 34 year olds regularly use online grocery shopping compared to 1 in 10 aged 55 and over
The five most popular website types visited regularly are:
1) General research - 43%
2) Internet banking - 38%
3) News - 36%
4) Social media - 36%
5) Buying books/films/CDs online - 32%