Ember Regis

Professor Manuel Castells, former advisor to Barack Obama and member of United Nations technology panels, has predicted that by 2014 the number of mobile internet users will surpass the number of those accessing the internet on a desktop computer (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/sep/30/mobile-internet-overtake-desktop).

The increasing prominence of mobile internet users will have a large effect on the future of many companies and organisations. Should these organisations now start marketing their online presence specifically towards mobile users? Moreover, does anything differentiate a mobile internet user from the more typical computer user?

One major point is that mobile internet integrates particularly well with social networking sites, allowing users to update their Facebook or Twitter as they go about their daily business. Far from the commonly-held criticism of people ‘wasting time’ with inane updates, mobile internet can help illustrate a more progressive and productive idea behind social media.

At any time, and from any location, people can find out what’s going on and contribute to, or instigate, discussions on the matter. This perpetual connection to both their friends and online correspondents, as well as other sources of news, media and commentary, keeps users mentally active and informed up-to-the-minute. Crucially, they are always connected.

The growth of mobile internet users may show that social networking is not so much an evening’s entertainment behind a computer screen as an integral part of the modern day-to-day life of both individuals and businesses.