It was not long ago that email was the latest rage and everyone was using it. While it still remains extremely popular today, many people are using their email less frequently and turning to social media networks to keep in touch with friends and family instead.

Nielsen Online conducted an interesting study which looked at how people across the globe are using the internet. The most popular function of the Internet is the basic search, which should be of little surprise. The study revealed that in 2008, nearly 86 per cent of those that use the internet are engaging in searches for information.

In a category called “Member Communities” which includes any blogging or networking related websites, the Nielsen Online study revealed that almost 67 per cent of people who use the internet take advantage of these types of services. This is an increase of 5.4 per cent from the previous year. This huge boost has allowed these types of services to overtake the popularity of email. According to the report, around 65 per cent of those who are online use email.

Nielsen Online broke down the results of their study in a particularly interesting fashion. They estimated that for every 11 minutes that are spent online, one of these minutes is spent on a website that falls into the Member Community category.

How exactly Nielsen Online arrived at these results will remain a mystery. The company is notorious for being secretive with regard to its tracking capabilities.