A new report shows that gaming on tablets and social networking on mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular activities. According to the study, over half (52%) of tablet owners are playing games on their device. In fact, gaming is the second most popular activity on tablets (surfing the Internet was No. 1). The study also shows that mobile phones are becoming a popular means of access to social networks. As you might expect, smartphone users are leading this charge, with almost half (45%) of smartphone users accessing a social network through their phone.

Tablet Gaming, Mobile Social Networking Beginning to Make Waves

Gaming on the iPad and other tablets a popular activity

Streaming TV is about convenience, not avoiding commercials

Social networking via mobile phone increasing

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Interpret, a leading entertainment, media and technology market research firm, today released data from its quarterly New Media Measure™ study that tracks media behaviors, device ownership, attitudes and product consumption. Behavior and trending data from its 2010 third-quarter report reveals that gaming on tablets and social networking on phones are activities on the rise.

The study finds that over half (52%) of tablet owners, including the iPad, are playing games on their device. Gaming is the second most popular activity on these devices, behind only surfing the Internet (58%). Furthermore, active gamers are more likely than the average consumer to plan on purchasing an iPad or other tablet in the next three months.

Social networking continues to invade the new media landscape, as more consumers are spending more time on social networks than ever before. The mobile phone is becoming a particularly popular access point, with a 12% jump in social networking activity since last quarter. Not surprisingly, smartphone users are especially enthusiastic mobile social networkers, with almost half (45%) of them accessing a social network through their phone.

Click to view the table of contents of the report here.