---
title: "Internet Impact 101"
description: "With all of the niche topics we research here at the Pew Internet Project, we often need to take a step back and look at the larger picture of how internet use is changing people’s everyday lives."
date: "2005-06-08"
authors:
  - name: "Mary Madden"
    job_title: "Former Senior Researcher"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/mary-madden/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2005/06/08/internet-impact-101/"
categories:
  - "Emerging Technology"
  - "Leisure"
  - "Lifestyle"
---

# Internet Impact 101

With all of the niche topics we research here at the Pew Internet Project, we often need to take a step back and look at the larger picture of how internet use is changing people’s everyday lives—from the momentous to the mundane. Last year, in our [Selective Exposure Survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/PPF/r/141/report_display.asp), we were able to "check in" with the public to see how the internet had improved some of these basic functions of everyday life. Here’s what we found:

- 90% of online adults said the internet had improved their ability to get news and information that they can’t get elsewhere
- 89% said the internet had improved their ability to keep in touch with friends and family
- 83% said the internet had improved the way they pursue hobbies or interests
- 63% said the internet had improved their ability to complete everyday tasks like shopping or paying bills.
- 61% said the internet had improved their ability to do their job