More LGBT Adults Using Social Networking Tools Than Heterosexuals in US

Market research firm Harris Interactive has released results of a new national survey suggesting gay and lesbian adults are among the most frequent and loyal blog readers and social network users in the US.

The study was conducted online during the week of June 14 to 21, 2010, with 2,412 adults participating, of whom 341 identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender.  Harris Interactive over-smapled lesbians and gay men to get data for a more detailed analysis of the groups, and weighted the data to reflect the adult population composition in the US.

According to the market research firm, over half (54%) of lesbian and gay participants report reading a blog of some kind, compared to only 40% of heterosexuals.

This shows an increase since March 2008, when 51% of LGBT respondents confirmed reading some type of blog.

As for which kinds of blogs adults in the US read, the survey showed 36% of LGBT adults, and only 25% of straight adults read news blogs. The survey showed 25% of LGBT adults and 16% of straight adults read pop culture and entertainment blogs.

LGBT adults also go online to connect using social networking sites more often then heterosexuals. Almost three quarters (73%) of LGBT respondents are on Facebook, compared to 65% of straight adults.

As for MySpace, 32% of LBGT and 22% of hetero adults use the service. Even less – 29% of LGBT and 15% of hetero adults – use Twitter. Almost the same proportion (22% and 16% respectively) are registered on LinkedIn, a more business-oriented tool. 

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