University Internet Activity Picks Up As School Year Winds Down.

comScore Networks has released the results of its latest netScore report of worldwide and U.S. Internet surfing activity for the month of April 2002. The netScore data, gathered through comScore’s Global Network, show slight growth in the worldwide Internet population, with visiting trends of particular note within the U.S. University community.

U.S. AND GLOBAL INTERNET USAGE
The worldwide Internet population grew to a new peak of 323.7 million users in April 2002, representing growth of about 1% versus March 2002 and nearly 10% versus April 2001. The U.S. Home user base showed the greatest sequential growth, up 1.5% versus March 2002, while the non-U.S. population posted the greatest year-to-year gain of more than 13%.

UNIVERSITY USER ACTIVITY PICKS UP AS SCHOOL YEAR WINDS DOWN
As the school year drew to a close, the average U.S. College & University user spent 6% more time online versus March 2002, despite declines in the same measure across all other user groups worldwide. U.S. College & University users increased time spent at a variety of sites geared to prepare them for the realities of life beyond campus, and keep them together with friends. Site categories logging greater minutes per visitor for this user group included Finance & Investing (+7%), Home & Living (+3%), and Society & Community (+10%)

Automotive Sites
The number of U.S. College & University users at Automotive Web sites grew by 3% – despite a slight decline in all other audience segments – as graduating seniors and other students sought information to drive smarter car buying decisions. Certain auto manufacturer (OEM) Web sites enjoyed greater-than-average growth versus March among unique visitors from College & University PCs; these included vw.com (+49%), subaru.com (+21%), gmbuypower.com (+19%), and ford.com (+14%).

Career Sites
Although the worldwide audience at Career Web sites declined by 2% vs. March 2002, the category drew 7% more visitors from US College & University PCs as students continued and launched their searches for gainful employment. In total, more than 2.4 million College & University users visited at least one career site during April 2002.

Home & Living Sites
Unique visitors to Home & Living Web sites declined versus March, both in the total Worldwide (-6%) and U.S. College & University (-3%) audiences. Still, with the future knocking loudly at students’ doors, certain sites drew noteworthy increases in traffic. With help for those in need of a new home, apartments.com drew 50,000 more College & University users. And both theknot.com and ultimatewedding.com provided wedding suggestions and advice to thousands more visitors from College & University PCs as young couples prepared for another “big day” beyond graduation.

For additional information at http://www.netscoreonline.com