Web Users Read More Content Online

U.S. Web users spend 47 percent of their time online viewing content sites, up from 34 percent in 2003, a study said Monday.

By contrast, e-mail draws 33 percent of people’s online time, down from 46 percent four years ago, the Online Publishers Association study conducted by Internet media and market research firm Nielsen/NetRatings said.

The association attributed the online-viewing shift to better-quality online content, the growth of Web video, a growing belief people can learn about breaking news more quickly online than elsewhere and increased broadband penetration.

New online features and communities are also leading consumers to spend a larger share of their online time with content, OPA President Pam Horan said.