February 28, 2011

Xinhua: Social networking websites influence Fiji population: study

2011-02-27 15:14:39

SUVA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Social networking websites have a growing influence on the population in Fiji and many business houses and organizations are now changing their attitude towards social websites exploring ways to utilize its influential powers as many are drawn to it.

It is a recent study by "the What's on Network". Based in Fiji' s western city Nadi, "the What's on Network" specializes in social networking and its commercial implications is looking into how social networking is changing the mindset of the people of Fiji through Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, You Tube and Skype amongst others.

Its director Ian Collingwood revealed that according to their findings, the use of social networking websites is growing at a significant level in Fiji and helping disseminate information very quickly as many are hooked on.

Collingwood said their findings show that there are currently 110,000 Facebook accounts origination in Fiji with an annual growth in 2011 expected to exceed 75 percent.

Their survey on radio station Fiji Village's website shows that the dominant social media user segments in Fiji are aged between 18 and 44 years old. This represents 80 percent of all social networking users while the fastest growing segment are aged between 45 and 55 years old.

In Fiji, 49 percent of Facebook users are male while 51 percent are female and Collingwood said on average, people spend 56 minutes a day on their Facebook accounts.

But those who access their accounts through mobiles and hand held devices spent 84 minutes a day on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Editor: Xiong Tong

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