The Internet and Campaign 2010
More than half of U.S. adults used the internet for political purposes in the last cycle, far surpassing the 2006 midterm contest. They hold mixed views about the impact of the internet: It enables extremism, while helping the like-minded find each other. It provides diverse sources, but makes it harder to find truthful sources.
Peer-to-Peer Health Care
About one-in-five internet users have gone online to find others who have health concerns similar to theirs. Those with chronic conditions are even more likely to reach out to peers for health information. Still, most turn to health professionals when in need of medical information.
Twitter and Social Networking in the 2010 Midterm Elections
More than one-in-five online Americans engaged with the 2010 midterm elections or campaign on Twitter or social networking sites; Republicans — especially Tea Party supporters — caught up with Democrats in social media use.
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.
Global Publics Embrace Social Networking
Although still a relatively young technology, social networking is already a global phenomenon. A 22-nation survey finds that in regions around the world, people who use the internet are using it for social networking. Cell phone ownership and computer usage are also increasingly popular across the globe.
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.
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.
Older Adults and Social Media
The number of older adults on Facebook and other social networking sites has roughly doubled in the past year. About half of internet users ages 50-64 and one-in-four users ages 65 and older now log onto social networks.
Millennials’ Likely Lifelong Online Sharing Habit
Technology experts generally believe that today’s tech-savvy young people — the ‘digital natives’ who are known for enthusiastically embracing social networking and other online tools — will retain their willingness to share personal information online even as they get older and take on more responsibilities.
The Future of Online Socializing
The social benefits of internet use will far outweigh the negatives over the next decade, according to experts. Email, social networks, and other online tools offer low friction opportunities to create, enhance, and rediscover social ties that make a difference in people’s lives and lower traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time.
