A marked increase in the number of Ukrainian Internet audience

KIIS conducted nationwide poll “Omnibus” KIIS during the period of February 10–19, 2012. 2029 respondents were interviewed, the survey covered all regions of Ukraine (including the city of Kyiv) and Crimea; sample was random and representative for the population of Ukraine aged 18 years and older.

Statistical sampling error (with probability 0.95, the design-effect 1.5) does not exceed 2.3% for index close to 50%, 2,0% — index close to 25%, 1,4% — index close to 10%, 1 0% — index close to 5%.

• Internet usage in Ukraine extends slightly slower than in developed countries of Western Europe and North America. According to KIIS data, the quantity of Ukraine’s Internet users made up only 1% of adult population in 1997. There was a slow increase in the number of users (from 1% to 6%) during the years 2002–2010.
• The number of Internet users has increased dramatically by 11 percentage points (from 32% in March 2011 to 43% — in February 2012) in 2011. Thus the 2011–2012 growth rate made up a record of 34%.
• As before, the use of the Internet depends strongly on age. Among adults aged 50 years and younger Internet penetration is significantly higher and constitutes 61%. However, 2011 shows a marked increase of Internet audience in all age groups except 70 years and older.
• Despite infrastructure limitations, the situation has dramatically improved even in small towns (from 24% in March, 2011, to 30% — in February, 2012,) and rural areas (from 14% in March, 2011, to 22% — in February, 2012) in 2011–2012.

Profile of Internet users in Ukraine:

• There is no significant difference in the number of Internet users depending on sex: 51% of Internet users are male and under 49% — female;
• By age groups: 63% of Internet users are people younger than 40 years;
• Byeducation level: 55% of people are with higher and incomplete higher education;
• Byfinancial position: 59% of users have income which is higher than average;
• By the type of settlement: 84% of Internet users live in cities;

KIIS study also found that there are several barriers in using the Internet:

• Lack of knowledge and skills how to use — 46%;
• Lack of technical capacity — 24%;
• The assumption that the Internet is nothing interesting — 15%;
• Lack of financial opportunities — 10%

Respondents were also to answer the question:“What is the main purpose that you used the Internet in the last 6 months?” It was found that the main reasons for visiting the Internet are as follows:

• Communication — 35%
• View / listen to online media — 31%
• Load data — 26%
• Financial Operations — 8%
• Games — 7%

Application