More than six in 10 teens have mobile phones, according to a December 2006 study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project titled "Teens and Social Media."
Pew found that nearly three-quarters of teens have desktop-computer access, making them a tech-savvy demographic.
A majority of teen Internet users surveyed visited entertainment and news sites, used instant messaging and watched online video. More than half also used social networking sites.
"Access to social networks and cell phones has opened up new channels for today's teens," said Mary Madden, senior research specialist at Pew.
"New technology increases the overall intensity and frequency of their communication with friends, with e-mail being the one glaringly uncool exception in their eyes," Madden said.
Teens are a fast-growing social networking user group. In 2007, 70% used
social networks at least once a month. eMarketer projects that number will grow to 84% in 2011.
Given the popularity of mobile phones and social networking among teens, it is not a giant leap to expect them to use the two technologies together. Early data suggest that is the next step.
"Mobile social networking is predominantly a young consumer’s game," said John du Pre Gauntt, senior analyst at eMarketer.
He cited a June
2007 M:Metrics study that found that users under 25 were the most active on mobile social networks, accessing sites daily or several times a week.
"The next question is whether
early adopters gather at mobile-only social networking
destinations or if they are extending their existing social networking
relationships to mobile," Gauntt said. "Here, the evidence is well in favor of the
latter."
Find out how your demographic target uses social networking. Read eMarketer's Social Network Marketing: Ad Spending and Usage report today.