Ever feel surprised to find yourself reading a blog?

Recent surveys show that reading blogs is becoming a more common pastime, as much of a habit as reading a favorite newspaper columnist.

Here are some interesting stats on bloggers:

One survey found that 57 million people reported reading a blog.

39 percent of Internet users–18 and older–read blogs.

Not surprisingly, tech-literate youths tend to blog more than adults.

In 2006, 8 percent or 12 million Internet users 18 and older wrote a blog.

In the 12-17 age bracket, 19 percent wrote one, and 38 percent of teens read one.

Source: 2006 Pew Internet and American Life Project