What Media Would Kids Want on a Desert Island?

A new study has found that the Internet is the medium that most kids can't live without. The Web topped the telephone, the radio, and even the tube. Thirty-three percent of those surveyed said the Web would be the medium they would want even if they couldn't have any others. Television was picked second (26 percent), followed by the phone (21 percent), and radio (15 percent). The Internet placed first with 38 percent of boys and 28 percent of girls.

In this report, "How Children Use Media Technology," Knowledge Networks (www.knowledgenetworks.com) surveyed children ages 8–17. Interestingly, the Internet ranked fourth in actual weekly usage, falling behind TV, radio, and prerecorded music. The Internet may be the first choice on the proverbial desert island, "old" media are still number one in the real world.