Google+ and Twitter usage in Ireland on the rise

Facebook is still the most used social network among Irish users, but rivals such as Twitter and Google+ are becoming more popular, a new survey has revealed.

The study, carried out by Ipsos/MRBI, revealed that 56 per cent of Irish adults had a Facebook account in the quarter to May, up four points from the previous three-month period. That compares with 27 per cent for Twitter, and Google+ at 21 per cent.

Facebook is particularly popular among those under 25, but showed a steady drop off as the age profile of users grew, with only 20 per cent of those aged 55 and over using the service.

Although Twitter edged up only four points in the most recent survey, the company has shown significant growth over the past few years, with the survey indicating that 27 per cent of adults now have an account with the microblogging site – up from seven per cent in February 2011.

LinkedIn users currently stand at 20 per cent. The professional networking site has remained relatively steady in recent surveys. It is most popular among users between 25 and 44 years of age.

But the established players are facing competition from new services. Facebook-owned Instagram is also edging higher, with the picture sharing service gaining one point from February.

Virtual pinboard site Pinterest, meanwhile, grew from three per cent to five per cent in recent months. Former social network star Bebo has seen its popularity drop one point.

Account usage also varied. Only 27 per cent of users said they logged into their Google+ account on a daily basis, compared with 64 per cent for Facebook and 43 per cent checking Twitter daily.