Internet users spending more time reading online newspapers; Twitter use doubles in one year

An annual survey released today by the Center for the Digital Future at USC reveals that Internet users read online newspapers for 53 minutes a week, up from 41 minutes in 2007 and more than ever reported before in the survey. Also, 22 percent said they ended newspaper and magazine subscriptions since they could access the same content online.

New online social networking figures released today by eMarketer shows that Twitter is growing by leaps and bounds. From last year to this year, the number of Twitter users has doubled from 6 million to 12.1 million. That number is expected to surpass 18 million by next year. This article published this month by The New York Times captures what exactly is driving this phenomenon better than any other story has to date.

What The New York Times article points out and what Twitter users already know is that this innovative, yet simple online networking tool gives Internet users more control than ever before in spreading information and accessing information. It's the ultimate quick, easy-to-use filter for information gathering. High-profile sports figures such as Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari are bypassing the media and releasing news and opinions on Twitter. Calipari's Twitter following has already surpassed 11,000 since he signed up last Thursday.

Obviously, it's great news for the newspaper industry that both online readership is up and that people are spending more time on Web sites than ever before. But just because newspaper Web sites are enjoying success doesn't mean the industry can retreat back to its old "keep doing what works" motto. This should be a lesson for why newspapers should secure a space on Twitter -- at least then they'll have a voice in matters of importance.