In a report by a British (?media) Regulator, as Internet usage rises, the usage of many other media falls. Suprisingly enough, this includes gaming.

The report goes on to how its being driven by a gradual shift in a “Networked” generation of younger adults, which is no surprise; they say up to 20% of 16-24 year olds have either a blog or website, but also how 70% of them are part of a Social Networking site.

Not *being* in the 16-24 demographic, I find its quite shocking how so many of them are participating in this phenomena. I mean, even *now* do I know any substantial number of non-Geek friends or colleagues that are actively involved in Social Networking? Does it even approach 20%? Hell no.

What’s even more amazing is how the research goes on to say how as Internet usage rises, so do the usage of other media. Sure watching TV is on the decline — that’s a no brainer.

But Gaming?
Console Gaming?
Really?

This is surprising when you consider that the gaming industry appears to be growing by all acounts; there certainly appears to be a continued interest, particularly when all three console makers are in the process of releasing next generation consoles.

[However, there are a few dissenting opinions about this ... perhaps the console industry *is* in decline.]

But if there is a drive to less console usage, it makes you wonder where electronic “Entertainment” is really headed, and is Gaming, like other industries, getting so fractured interpreting data like this becomes meaningless? I mean, sure, Console Gaming is being driven down … how about mobile gaming? Hand-held gaming? Does that mean that on-line Gaming is going up?

Probably. Man, I *knew* there was more competition on Counter-Strike these days! :)