Globally, the internet is becoming a fundamental resource for the youth and is becoming more important than dating, going out with friends or listening to music, according to a study conducted by networking products manufacturer Cisco and InsightExpress, a third-party market research firm.
The study said in India, 95 per cent of college students and young employees surveyed admitted the internet was as important to them as water, food, air and shelter. The study was conducted among 2,800 professionals in their 20s and college students across countries like the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, India, China, Japan and Australia.
The Cisco Connected World Technology Report also cited the importance of mobility for the new generation, especially in India. Among the young employees surveyed, Indians ranked second on the importance of mobile device usage. Around 71 per cent of the young employees from India were keen on the usage of mobile devices. In this category, the UK bagged the top slot, with 74 per cent, while Australia, China and the US followed India.
The report also said today's youth considers virtual life more important than its ambitions. For instance, if one were forced to make a choice between one or the other, about two-thirds would choose an internet connection over a car.
Mahesh Gupta, vice-president, Borderless Networks, Cisco India & SAARC said, "The internet is no longer a 'good to have', it is now a 'must have'. There is a conscious need to be connected at all times from all locations, accelerated by the growth of social media and smart mobile devices, which provide easy access to the internet." Two-thirds of students and more than half the employees cite a mobile device (laptops, smartphones and tablets) as "the most important technology in their lives". The increasing adoption of the internet and mobility is helping the nature, said the study.
Facebook continues to be the dominant social networking site for Indians. Of all the countries surveyed, India ranked the highest in the frequency of Facebook interaction, with 92 per cent of students and 98 per cent of employees checking it daily.
CAUGHT IN THE NET
* Four of five college students and young employees believe the internet is part of their daily lives
* Two-thirds of students say a mobile device is "the most important technology in their lives"
* About 91% of college students and 88% of the employees surveyed said they had Facebook accounts
