The latest figures on online use in Canada show that almost half of young users say they have posted material on the web.

The 2009 study from Stats Canada found that 45% of home users under 30 reported contributing content, by writing blogs, uploading photos or joining discussion groups.

The figure across all age groups for those publishing online was 27%.

There was also an age difference when it came to downloading or watching TV and movies online, with 31% of home users saying they did this.

By comparison, 53% of those under 30 reported accessing TV shows and films online.

Overall, Stats Canada found that 80% of Canadians aged 16 and older, or 21.7 million people, used the Internet for personal reasons, up from 73% in 2007.

The most connected provinces were British Columbia and Alberta, with 85% online, followed by Ontario at 81%.

Internet use increased among all age groups but at different rates.

The number of young adults (16-24) online rose from 96% in 2007 to 98% in 2009.

This compares with an increase from 56% to 66% among those aged 45 or older.