The BBC has reported on some new research which apparently shows that internet users are becoming much more selfish and ruthless when they go online. To be honest, I think I could have told you that without doing any research, but some of the findings are quite interesting.
I think we all know the days of 'build it (a website) and we (users) will come' are now long gone.
The research examined internet habits in the UK and highlighted that we are all now much less patient when we go online. Instead of surfing on certain sites for hours, as many of used to, (all you eBayer's will know what I am talking about) it seems we just want to reach a website as quick as possible, do what we have to do, and just get out of there.
The report also states that most people try to ignore efforts by companies attempting to make them linger and some can become very suspicious of promotions. 
Dr Jakob Nielsen who headed the new research comments: "The (website) designs have become better but also users have become accustomed to that interactive environment".
He adds: "Web users have always been ruthless and now are even more so. People want sites to get to the point, they have very little patience."
Now here I agree with Dr Nielsen, but then he goes on to say that internet users are also becoming very frustrated with all the extras, such as widgets and applications, which can make some sites more user friendly. Apparently the reason we are becoming 'frustrated' is because they can make websites take much longer to load. I don't know about you, but I think some widgets and applications are worth their weight in gold. I suppose it depends on whether he is referring to useful blogging/Web 2.0 tools or just the irritating 'Pirate' applications on social networks like Facebook. If it is the latter then I admit I do have to agree with him.
Key findings from the research were:
- There has been a huge change in the way users get to sites
- In 2004, about 40% of people visited a homepage and then drilled down to where they wanted to go and 60% used a deep link that took them directly to a page or destination inside a site
- In 2008 only 25% of people arrive via a websites homepage. The rest use a search and get straight there.
- Search engines, such as Google, now apparently rule the web
- However, search engines still need to improve their services to create stronger and more relevant results
Personally, I must admit I am much more ruthless these days when I am online, as there is so much more quality content out there to be looking at or listening to. I can't be bothered anymore to wade through reams and reams of websites - I want the information now.
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