Young women rule the roost online, says research

Young women are now the most dominant group online in the UK, according to new research from net measurement firm Nielsen/NetRatings.

Women in the 18 - 34 age group account for 18% of all online Britons.

They also spend the most time online - accounting for 27% more of the total UK computer time than their male counterparts.

Of UK males active online, the 50+ age group is the most prevalent.

The breakthrough of these groups will come as a surprise to many who regard the internet as being largely dominated by young men.