Is mobile the future of the social web? A recent study would indicate that it is.

PR firm Ruder Finn’s Mobile Intent Index survey showed that 91% of people use their mobile phones to socialize online, compared with 79% of traditional computer users.

That’s not all. The study also showed that 62% of mobile users manage finances on their phone; for desktop users, it’s 39%.

And 67% of mobile users are likely to rally support for a cause, versus 47% of desktoppers.

“Mobile phone use goes beyond instant gratification,” said Ruder Finn Insights director Marty McGough in a press release. “Our survey data shows that people use their mobile phones out of necessity for instant access to the Web whether it’s to conduct business with the most recent information or advocate on the spot on issues of pressing concern and breaking news.”

The Intent Index chart above reflects the answers to 295 questions about mobile use. The mostly full Socialize wedge includes the sub-categories Be Part of a Community, Discuss, Share and Connect. See it up close here. And find out what else people are doing on their mobiles via the press release.

Why are so many more people using their phones for social networking applications originally built for computers?

ReadWriteWeb suggests that mobile platforms are more accessible for regular people (i.e., non-tech-geeks), who “spend more time offline than on.” And when they’re online, they’re doing business.

I would add that many people’s workplaces block social networking sites in the name of employee productivity. If you’ve got a 3G smartphone, though, there’s not much your boss can do short of making you check your iPhone at the door, which is probably illegal. Or at least should be.

Furthermore, this study shows precisely how important it is for brands to consider mobile when it comes to their online strategy.

Making sure that your website is viewable to mobile users is a must. And from a social media marketing perspective, it’s time to begin thinking about what messages will be most effective to mobile users and people on the go, including people who use geolocation-based networks like Foursquare and Gowalla. (Further reading: Mashable posted today about how small businesses can take advantage of geolocation.)

But to return to the survey: Were you surprised or not surprised by the numbers? How do you prefer to connect to the social web?