Over 83% of Russians used the Internet in 2017, which is 1.7 times higher than in 2010 (49.3%); 60.6% of adult population use the Internet every day, research published by the Higher School of Economics’ Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge on Thursday informs.

"In 2017, 83.7% of Russians used the Internet, which is 1.7 times higher than in 2010 (49.3%). 60.6% of total adult population go online practically every day. Annual growth of the Russian Internet audience (both general and daily) constitutes about 2.9-3.6 per cent in recent years," the institute’s press service informed.

Over half of Russian Internet users (51.7%) are 40 and younger, the research states. However, in the last three years, the number of Russians over 50 that go online has almost tripled (29.7%).

"Mainly, in 2017, the population used the Internet for socializing, accessing content, information search, leisure activities, and commercial operations. Recognition of the World Wide Web as an integral part of human life leads to an expanded spectrum of its daily use goals," the message says.

According to the research, one in two Russians (51.7%) was looking up information on goods and services on the Internet, which is 14.7% higher than in the years 2014-2017. Over 42% of Russians used online municipal and government services.

More Russians started to use online financial services: in 2017, one in three Russians (30.9%) carried out financial operations online in 2017, and one in five (18.9%) concluded sales transactions. The number of Russian citizens who search for information on health and education services online is also rising, the research added.