Young consumers are using more technology at a younger age to connect with more people than ever before, according to a survey of more than 5,000 U.S. and Canadian online youth aged 12-21 by Forrester Research. For example, 87% of 15-year-olds use instant messaging, while nearly half of 12- to 14-year-olds have a mobile phone.

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"Marketing executives have been staring in wonder at their own tech-savvy children and asking, 'Are all teenagers as wired as my own kids?'" said Chris Charron, VP and research director at Forrester Research. "The answer is 'yes.' We are seeing a generation of young people for whom technology is not just a nice-to-have, it's a critical part of their lives. There's been a lot of speculation about the breadth and depth of technology use among young people. This data begins to codify that discussion."

Forrester surveyed young consumers regarding their use of various devices, gaming, online activities, music downloads and file sharing, communication technologies, and attitudes toward media and advertising. Among the highlights:

-- Young people are communication junkies. 83% use IM versus just 32% of online adults. More than three out of four young consumers have a mobile phone.

-- MP3 players top the device wish list. 25% of young consumers said they plan to purchase an MP3 player in the next 12 months.

-- Entertainment grabs their online time. Young consumers spend almost 11 hours per week online, while nearly one in five of the youngest of this group (ages 12-17) spend 20 hours or more per week online.

-- Youth got game. 88% of boys ages 12-17 own a game console, compared with 63% of girls the same age. 55% of boys would rather play games than watch TV.

-- Young consumers represent the social marketing vanguard. 52% say they rely on recommendations from friends or family when making a purchase, compared with just 34% of adults.