I sometimes use wifi networks other than my own. Can the wifi owners see what i search?

Yes and no. They can see what websites you went to. Routers by default have logs that can be enabled in them that log the activity on the network. They may not be able to see what you're typing in on google but they can see any webpage you've visited while connected to their network.

They can also access your computer if you have any sort of file sharing on, and do all sorts of nasty things to it :)

Edit: It's not encrypted traffic to people on the network you're on.

I wouldn't really worry about it unless you're looking at something illegal. Like others have said, unless they're using sniffers they can't actually get any information. They CAN see what websites you are visiting.. i.e. if you go to google.com and they have logging enabled in their router they will see that someone with an IP Address of 192.168.1.X or something similar visited Google. They won't be able to see what you typed in the search bar. Same goes if you're visiting banking websites. They can see if you go to Bank of America's website, but they cannot see your login information, password, anything that is displayed on screen or transmitted between you and the BoA servers unless they are using third party tools.

Yes the owners can if they really desire.

They can use software that is called "traffic sniffers" or "network sniffers", these programs will log everything that is being transfered between your PC and the internet.

Furthermore, they can use a type of attack commonly called a "Man in the middle attack" where the attacker puts himself between your PC and the Internet, he then can use another attack called "SSL Snarfing" where he can log and see your passwords by supplying you unauthenticated security certificates.

Did i forget to say that these techniques require knowledge about networks and operating systems.

It's possible if the owners are running network monitor software but very unlikely.

I asked my boyfriend the same question as he is technologically inclined. he says NO!

Haven't confirmed it with BIG BROTHER yet but I trust his answer! :)

i would rather say no..cos everything is encrypted these days..so dont worry about it.

How about if you use it thru a phone!!?