• by Masha Geller , May 14, 2002

comScore Networks has just released the results of its latest survey of worldwide and U.S. Internet surfing activity for the month of April, and it looks like there is slight growth in the worldwide Internet population. The worldwide Internet population grew to a new peak of 323.7 million users in April 2002, representing growth of about 1% vs. March 2002 and nearly 10% vs. April 2001. The U.S. home user base is up 1.5% vs. March 2002.

More important, however, is the reason behind that growth - students. As the school year drew to a close, the average U.S. College & University user spent 6% more time online vs. March 2002, despite declines in the same measure across all other user groups worldwide, comScore says. Stuent users increased time spent at a variety of sites geared to prepare them for the realities of life beyond campus, and keep them together with friends. Site categories logging greater minutes per visitor for this user group included Finance & Investing (+7%), Home & Living (+3%), and Society & Community (+10%)

The number of student users at automotive sites grew by 3% – despite a slight decline in all other audience segments. Certain auto manufacturer sites enjoyed greater-than-average growth versus March among unique visitors from College & University PCs; these included vw.com (+49%), subaru.com (+21%), gmbuypower.com (+19%), and ford.com (+14%).

Although the worldwide audience at career sites declined by 2% vs. March 2002, the category drew 7% more visitors from student PCs. In total, more than 2.4 million College & University users visited at least one career site during April 2002.

Unique visitors to Home & Living sites declined versus March, both in the total Worldwide (-6%) and U.S. College & University (-3%) audiences. Still, certain sites drew noteworthy increases in traffic, such as apartments.com. And both theknot.com and ultimatewedding.com provided wedding suggestions and advice to thousands more visitors from College & University PCs as young couples prepared for another “big day” beyond graduation.