In 2023, the proportion of individuals participating in online social networks in South West England was 81.30% of persons who used the internet within the last three months. The forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 indicates a gradual upward trend, with the participation rate rising from 82.56% to 86.95%. Year-on-year growth is consistent, showing an increase of around 1-1.2 percentage points annually during this period. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period demonstrates a steady increase in social network participation, reflecting consistent adoption.

Future trends to watch include:

The impact of new social media platforms gaining popularity and influencing growth rates.
The role of technology advancements like AI and VR in enhancing user engagement on social networks.
Potential shifts in user demographics, especially among older populations, joining online social platforms.