Forrester: Social Web Now Mainstream

US consumers are flocking to use social networks and other participatory venues to the extent that the activity is now mainstream, according to Forrester Research. The company's polling indicates 2008 has marked significant growth for social media, with a decided majority of users now taking part. A consumer poll done in the second quarter found that 75 percent of Internet users participate in some form of social media, up from 56 percent in 2007. Adoption rates vary by the type of activity. For example, Forrester found large growth in participation among those reading blogs and writing product reviews. "Spectator" rates jumped from 48 percent to 69 percent. Likewise, those identifying themselves as "critics" increased from 25 percent to 37 percent.