According to the survey, the internet has
become integrated into education in
Australia and the US more than in other
countries.
Image: iStockphoto

The first ever global survey of internet use has found remarkable similarities and significant differences in the way users from different countries utilise and rely on the Internet.

Bringing together researchers from across the globe, the World Internet Project has painted a clearer picture of our online behaviour.

 "This is the first time there has been a comprehensive survey that has allowed a detailed comparison of Internet use in different countries," said Swinburne University's Professor Julian Thomas, who along with Swinburne researcher Scott Ewing led the Australian arm of the project.

According to the researchers, one of the most striking differences between Australia and some other developed countries is the way adults use the Internet for educational purposes.

"In Australia, 89 per cent of students aged over 18 used the Internet for school related work at least once a week. The figure for US students is similar, at 84 per cent," said Thomas. "However in New Zealand for example, this figure is closer to 50 per cent."

"This indicates that the Internet has become integrated into education in Australia and the US, much more so than in some other developed nations."

Compared to other countries, cost was a relatively minor issue for Australian non-users, with only two per cent reporting that they did not use the Internet because it was too expensive.

According to Thomas this highlights the role still being played by dial-up in this country, giving consumers access to a very basic, cheap internet service.

The report also found that Internet users have a similar degree of scepticism about internet reliability, regardless of which country they come from. "On average almost 60 per cent of Internet-users world wide felt that at least half of the information found on the internet was unreliable," said Thomas.

The World Internet Project marks the first time that a worldwide partnership of research institutions has compiled data on the behaviour and views of Internet users and non-users. In 2008 participating countries included Australia, Canada, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Macao, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States.

"This survey is going to be really interesting to track over time," said Thomas. "As the years go by, I have no doubt the results will change dramatically."

More information on the report, including where it can be purchased can be found here.