MEDIA RELEASE - MONDAY JUNE 13, 2011

Tasmanians are leading the nation in social media usage with research released today revealing well over half the State is keeping it social online, abolishing the outdated view that the phenomenon is just a passing fad.

The Font Public Relations Social Media Index 2011 , which surveyed 1000 adults, provides Tasmania's first insight into social media usage trends across the State.

The Index reveals 59 per cent of people in the South, 58 per cent in the North and North East and54 per cent in the North West and West, are using social media.

Of these, 46 per cent use Facebook, followed closely by YouTube with 44 per cent, 12 per cent spend their online time blogging, while six per cent prefer to 'tweet' on Twitter.

According to the Index, the top four key reasons Tasmanians use social media are to stay connected with friends and family (75 per cent); share videos, pictures and other files (39 per cent); keep up-to-date with current affairs or topics of interest (36 per cent); and instant messaging or broadcasting current status came in equal fourth with organising social life (both at 30 per cent).

Font Public Relations Managing Director Becher Townshend said the figures were reflective of the adoption of social media platforms around the world and demonstrated a significant shift in the way Tasmanians digested news, discussed current affairs and connected with their communities.

"The research shows 60 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men actively participate in social media, marking a major cultural shift in the way individuals and businesses are interacting with their communities as well as staying up-to-date on breaking news and world events," Mr Townshend said.

"The data in the demographics from age 18-54 show participation ranges from 92 per cent in the18-24 category, to 52 per cent in the 45-54 demographic.

"Far from being a fad, these statistics show us that social media will only continue to change the way that information is shared and consumed.

"To put this in a national context, a recent study into Australian social media usage found Tasmanians are more likely to use social media than any other state or territory in the country.**

"Tasmanians are leading the way across Australia and the message to local businesses and organisations is clear - if you're not already actively engaged in social media, you need to be."

Download the Font Public Relations Social Media Index 2011 PDF below.