The 10 Top Reasons Why We Use Social Networks [Updated]

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We all use social media nowadays. Well, maybe not everyone, but at least a huge amount of the population does. The question is no longer if we use it, but why. And this is exactly what Global Web Index looked into.

So what is your main reason for being active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social network? Apparently, most of us use them to stay in touch with others, but also to stay updated on what is going on in the world around us.

Most of us use social networks to stay connected with others. What about you?

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What Are The Top 10 Reasons For Using Social Media?

1. To stay in touch with what friends are doing (42%)
2. To stay up-to-date with news and current events (41%)
3. To fill up spare time (39%)
4. To find funny or entertaining content (37%)
5. General networking with other people (34%)

42% of people use social media to stay in touch with what friends are doing.

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6. Because friends are already on them (33%)
7. To share photos or videos with others (32%)
8. To share my opinion (30%)
9. To research new products to buy (29%)
10. To meet new people (27%)

33% of social media users are on a platform because their friends were already there.

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It is very interesting how most of the top reasons are all linked to what we call “passive networking” – that means users who come to social media to consume content rather than actively contributing to the stories. A growing trend is to utilize social media platforms to research new products to buy and that’s why brands still have a huge role to play.

Almost a third of social media users admit to using the platforms to research new products to buy!

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