Traffic rush spurs social networks sites

Hong Kong - Video and social networking sites will see a sixfold increase in internet traffic by 2012, according to a report from brand management company Prosperity Research.

Prosperity's survey shows that although less than 2% of businesses are currently using social network spaces, it is the fastest growing communications segment. It also found that eight of the top 10 internet sites are social sites.

Doug White, founder of Prosperity Research, said despite exaggerated online usage, the more people use this "new tool", the more people become smarter and more sophisticated.

"When this level of sophistication is appearing, people then began to appreciate the real benefits of social networking marketing - dialogue," he said.

Brushing off concerns online networking was making users antisocial, White added social networks simply allow people to become more selective.