AUSTRALIANS are a bunch of Facebook fanatics and Tweed MP Geoff Provest is one of them.

New research by Nielsen has found Australians are the biggest users of social networking websites in the world, clocking in almost seven hours a month on average on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, ahead of the United States and United Kingdom.

But Mr Provest, who has more than 540 friends following his daily activities and photo uploads on his Facebook account, said he goes above and beyond the Australian average.

“I think I use my Facebook more than the Australian average, about seven to 10 hours a month,” Mr Provest said.

“I use my account to get feedback from the local area on different issues from the hospitals to Sexton Hill. I also use it to send out press releases and information.

“It’s not just a personal account.”

Mr Provest said he had been using his Facebook recently to keep tabs on family members currently overseas.

“They’re always updating with new photos, it’s a great way to keep in touch,” he said.

“I have also been contacted by old school friends I haven’t heard from in 30 years.

“There are definitely more people active online these days.”

Former Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar student Jessica Dowery said she was a self-proclaimed Facebook addict.

“It’s just so convenient and handy to communicate with my friends and family, especially when they are overseas,” Ms Dowery said.

Southern Cross University Bachelor of Media course co-ordinator Grayson Cooke said one reason for increasing interest in social networking websites was due to mobile internet connectivity.