The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has published new figures showing changes in Britons’ internet habits.

According to the ONS’ annual survey of British internet habits, the percentage of Britons using social networks, like Facebook and Twitter, increased from 43 per cent in 2010 to 57 per cent this year.

Figures showed that women are more passionate about social networks than men. Around 60 per cent of women admitted that they use social networks as compared with 54 per cent of men.

But, professional social networks like LinkedIn attracted more men than women. Sixteen per cent of men said they had used professional social networks, compared with just 9 per cent of women.

Social networks are most popular with youngsters. Ninety per cent of people in the age group of 16 to 24 said they used Facebook or Twitter this year. Eighteen per cent of over-65s also admitted using the social networking sites. Last year, only 8 per cent of over-65s used the websites.

The ONS’ survey also revealed the continuing boom in internet access through mobile phones. The number of adults using a smartphone to go online increased from 31 per cent last year to around 45 per cent this year.