Social Side of the Internet
The internet is having a wide-ranging impact on Americans’ engagement with civic, social and religious organizations, as groups and their members use digital tools — such as Facebook and Twitter — to bind themselves together and pursue goals.
Cash for Content Online
Nearly two-thirds of internet users have paid to download or access online content, ranging from music to games to news articles.
Mobile Politics 2010
More than a quarter of American adults used their cell phones to learn about or participate in the 2010 midterm election campaign.
Generations Online in 2010
Even in online pursuits still dominated by Millennials — such as social networking use — older generations are making notable gains.
Who Tweets?
When asked specifically if they are on Twitter, rather than a generic status-updating site, 8% of online adults say they use the popular social media tool. Tweeting is especially popular among young adults, minorities and those who live in cities.
The Better-Off Online
Some 95% of Americans who live in households earning $75,000 or more a year use the internet at least occasionally, compared with 70% of those in households with less income. Even among all internet users, the well-off are more likely to own and use various types of technology.
Just Checking In: 4% Share Location with Mobile Device
Among online adults, 4% use a service such as Foursquare or Gowalla that allows them to share their location with friends and to find others who are nearby.
Mobile Health 2010
Among cell phone owners, 17% have used their phone to look up health information, including 29% of cell owners ages 18-29. Still, the internet plays a supplemental — though growing — role and mobile connectivity has not changed that.
Gadget Ownership
The cell phone — by a wide margin — is the most commonly owned piece of personal technology. Three-quarters of the public own a computer and nearly half own an mp3 player, while e-books remain a niche item. The average adult owns three of the seven gadgets asked about in the survey.
Video Calling and Video Chat
Almost a fifth of American adults (19%) have tried video calling either online or via their cell phones. This translates into nearly a quarter (23%) of internet users and 7% of cell-phone owners who have participated in video calls, chats or teleconferences.
