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Consumers prefer e-mail as a primary method of communications in their personal and business capacities and will continue to do so in the future despite the rise of online threats and the emergence of other communication channels, according to a study by Habeas.

The report also revealed an interest from consumers in gaining more control over their online interactions with businesses and an increasing level of concern over spam and virus threats reaching consumers through their mobile devices.

"Regardless of their concerns over e-mail and online threats, consumers are becoming even more dependent on e-mail for their relationships with each other, via social networks and Web 2.0 applications, and those with whom they do business," said Des Cahill, CEO of the online reputation management firm.

The study found that:

* Sixty-seven percent of respondents prefer e-mail as a communications channel over other online vehicles and 65% believe this will continue to be true for at least the next in five years.

* Consumer opinion of the future importance of e-mail registered far above future expectations for video conferencing (19%), instant messaging (17%), SMS text messages (12%) and Web meetings (12%).

*Sixty-five percent of individuals between the ages of 18 to 34, will favor e-mail to communicate with businesses in five years.

The study also found increased fears about online threats:

* A full 69% of respondents expressed concern about being victimized by e-mail fraud scams, up from 62% a year earlier. finding in the 2007 Habeas report.

* Forty-three percent of respondents voiced concern over the spam and virus threat to mobile devices, which represents a rise from 2007's 36% and a sure reflection of the increasing use of the "mobile inbox" through Smartphone and Internet-enabled phone devices.

* As many as 35% of those surveyed do not know what to look for when trying to sift through e-mails that might potentially be dangerous.