The internet plays an important role in how people conduct research for purchases, but it is just one among a variety of sources people use and usually not the key factor in final purchasing decisions.
If only 20% of auto shops accurately diagnose car troubles, a lot of people may understand that, for cars and other matters, another opinion is well worth seeking.
Those who have home broadband connections use the Internet differently from those who have dial-up connections. Broadband users spend more time online, do more things, and do them more often than dial-up Internet users.