Social networking online used to make key decisions

This most recent Pew internet study emphasises the power of the web in strengthening social ties and changing decision making patterns.

"Rather than conflicting with people’s community ties, we find that the internet fits seamlessly with in-person and phone encounters. With the help of the internet people are able to maintain active content with sizeable social networks…"

The study documents the important role internet social networking plays in helping individuals to make key decisions in everyday life such as what to purchase or who to vote for.

"About 60 million Americans say the internet has played an important or crucial role in helping them deal with at least one major life decision in the past two years." 

Also interesting is the finding that internet users have larger social networks than non-users, meaning they are influential to a larger audience.

Read the report here.

Brought into the world on Monday, April 24th, 2006 and filed under Uncategorized.