Pew: Future of the Internet, Social Networking, Communities

New Pew Report:
Future of the Internet, Social Networking, Communities The future of social relations
by Janna Anderson, Lee Rainie
27 page PDF
July 2, 2010

“The social benefits of internet use will far outweigh the negatives over the next decade, according to experts who responded to a survey about the future of the internet. They say this is because 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. The internet lowers traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time; and it supports the type of open information sharing that brings people together.”

“Some 85% agreed with the statement:

“In 2020, when I look at the big picture and consider my personal friendships, marriage
and other relationships, I see that the internet has mostly been a positive force on my
social world. And this will only grow more true in the future.”

Some 14% agreed with the opposite statement, which posited:

“In 2020, when I look at the big picture and consider my personal friendships, marriage
and other relationships, I see that the internet has mostly been a negative force on my
social world. And this will only grow more true in the future.””

Stephen