Tim Gibbon, a spokesperson for the Social Media Portal, explained that mobile internet is a particular galvanising force in the furthering of technology in the hands of individuals, noting that younger generations are more widely embracing on-the-go internet use.

Explaining their involvement with newer technologies and practices, he continued: "They set the trend and then it trickles upwards... by the time it hits mainstream, the younger generations are likely to have found the next thing to get excited about."

Mr Gibbon also noted that older people tend to stick with what they know and not take the plunge into newer websites, programs or abilities - things which may affect the judgment of small businesses in IT looking to hire new blood.

According to CCS Insight this week, mobile internet is growing in popularity at an exponential rate, with BBC iPlayer named as the service people would most like to see on their phones.

More than half of small businesses (53 per cent) believe that the most important benefit of outsourcing is guaranteed response times for IT support. London-based Connect conducted the research in 2007.