While I was writing my comment on UXMatters, I was thinking; how many hours does a user really spend on the Internet? In fact, how accurate is this data?
I thought this because I remember the time I had to teach my mum (50s) to use the computer and setup her email account. Therefore, I’ve been the one looking over her shoulder and answering her questions when she faces difficulty.
When a new Internet user is online, his/her actions takes prolong periods and pauses because he/she is extra cautious about them. As they become more familiar, their actions speed up with confidence.
So my question to the question; how many hours do you really use the internet? is, what type of user are you?
If you were only taught to use the Internet yesterday or 2 days ago, you could be spending twice the time to complete a task than an average user would.
Therefore, my thoughts and beliefs of the data to the question; how many hours do you spend on the internet? is easily corrupted.
A user who spends more than 4 hours on the Internet on average may not mean the user is Internet-savvy. It could be my mum accessing and sending 2-3 emails to her friends.
Hence, ensure your surveys or questions is directed at the right user.
Minimum 2 hrs.
other thn sleeping… i think i spend whole day in front computer… oni weekend less~
ah…I was just teaching my students about survey and how to be careful who ur asking to ensure ur data is not currupted. Gave eg you can’t ask how popular ManU is by asking those wearing red at a ManU football match.
As for me the computer is on 8 hrs in the office but I use it about 3-4 hrs on line? Then back at home another 2 mayb but it varies. Though I’m getting faster, I’m discovering more things to do online. Hence the feeling of life slipping away~
@aaron: Hmm, asking the minimum could be a start.
@kornelius: Sure or not?
@glo: Exactly. :)
3-4 hours at office
1-2 hours at home