E-relax, more do it

With higher unemployment rates and a contracting economy, the majority of Australians now use the internet as the number one source for “unwinding”, according to a new report.

The annual Eye on Australia report from communications group Grey shows that 64% of Australians now use the internet as their primary source of relaxation.

The survey also shows that 68% of baby boomers now use the internet as their main method of relaxation, and that 74% of all respondents subscribe to newsletters online.

About 45% have seen an online advertisement in the past two months, with 49% saying the ad was contained in an email that had been sent to them.

In a win for online retailers, about 90% of respondents said they search for products or services online before buying.

Australians are also quite happy despite the economic gloom, with 63% “extremely” or “very” satisfied with life, according to the survey. Although 60% of respondents believe the economic situation will worsen over the next year, only 2% feel less confident or satisfied with life from last year.