Most Internet users worldwide use the Web primarily for e-mail and search, according to a global survey conducted by Gartner during the fourth quarter of 2007.
Online banking is the third most popular use of the Internet (except in emerging markets), while sharing photos, videos and files is the fourth.
Only one demographic group surveyed, however, did not follow these trends. Teens ages 13 to 18 showed a wide range of Internet interests, varying from downloading music and playing games to blogging and social networks.
"Rather than being considered as contrarians, this group should be regarded as the precursors of what is to come," said Elroy Jopling at Gartner. "The Internet has become a utility for most consumers, who use it for communicating, gathering information and performing financial transactions."
"However, a new 'trickle-down' phenomenon, where teenagers lead the evolution of consumer Internet applications, heralds a new era where Internet applications will mimic life—communicating, entertaining, socializing, informing, transactional, either in a fixed location or on the move," Jopling added.