It seems like it all happens at once; the markets fall, the US dollar drops, their housing industry turns over in its grave, banks get bailed out, more international conflicts brewing, the global food crisis, ongoing global warming, and news about a $200 barrel of oil?

All this seem like so much for the average consumer to deal with; will more people just end up hiding in their homes and saving their pennies?

People may not spend as much in the physical world, but I believe that there is a bright side for internet marketing and the web in general.

The internet is quickly becoming the medium of choice for all audiences, young and old. A recent study by New Paradigm (now nGenera) mentions that 77% of youth world-wide, from ages 16 - 29 prefer the intent over TV if forced to choose.

here is the press release on CNW - http://www1.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2007/11/c5356.html

If this is true, and the internet is only just beginning to get its legs, then all audiences will soon consider the web their number 1 source of information, entertainment, and just plain old time wasting.

So, if the recession hits as hard as is predicted, I think the web is safe from decline, in fact, I will put my bet on a massive increase in traffic world wide as a direct result of these unfortunate economic circumstances.

Thoughts?