UK internet users have visited more social networking sites than search engines in one month than ever before.
Data released by research firm Hitwise shows that visits to social networks accounted for 11.88 per cent of all UK internet visits in May, compared to search engine visits which made up 11.33 per cent.
Facebook brought in the majority of users, claiming 55 per cent of all social networking and forum visits. YouTube comes a considerable way behind, with 16.5 per cent of sector traffic during May. Twitter finishes off the top three, with 2.08 per cent of all traffic.
In terms of search sites, Google dominates the market with Google UK and Google.com accounting for over 91 per cent of all search traffic.
Despite the ever growing popularity of social networking, Google’s dominance of the search market means it retains its position as the most visited website in the UK, accounting for 9.29 per cent of all visits. Facebook takes second place with 7.04 per cent.
By Richard Morris