How Americans Used the Internet After the Terror Attack

Presents findings from a survey conducted September 12-13, 2001. Looks at how the Internet played a useful supplemental role to TV and the telephone in the days following the September 11 terror attacks

Rural Areas and the Internet

Presents findings from surveys conducted between 2000 and 2003. Looks at the growth of Internet distribution in rural communities, and the gap between rural and suburban or urban communities

Internet, Broadband, and Cell Phone Statistics

Presents December 2009 survey data on Americans' use of the Internet, broadband connections at home, wireless connections, and cell phones by demographics and community type. Compares data with those of April 2009

The Internet as a Diversion and Destination

Presents survey findings about trends since 2000 in why Americans go online by age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and income. Considers contributing factors, including the increase in broadband connections, video, and social networking

24% of Internet Users Have Made Phone Calls Online

Presents survey findings about trends in Americans' use of Skype, Vonage, and other Voice over Internet Protocol services to make phone calls by gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, education, and community type

Anonymity, privacy, and security online

Summary of findingsMost internet users would like to be anonymous online at least occasionally, but many think it is not possible to be completely anonymous online. New findings in a United States survey show:  86% of internet users have taken steps online to remove or mask their digital footprints—ranging from clearing cookies to encrypting their email, from avoiding using their name to using virtual networks that mask their internet protocol (IP) address. 55% of internet users have taken steps to avoid observation by specific people, organizations, or the government Still, 59% of internet users do not believe it is possible to be completely anonymous online, while 37% of them believe it is possible. A section of the survey looking at various security-related issues finds that notable numbers of internet users say they have experienced problems because others stole their personal information or otherwise took advantage of their visibility online—including hijacked email and social media accounts, stolen information such as Social Security numbers or credit card information, stalking or harassment, loss of reputation, or victimization by scammers.Authored by Lee Rainie, Sara Kiesler, Ruogu Kang, Mary Madden

Digital Town Hall

Presents findings from a survey of 520 locally elected officials. Explores to what extent they have embraced the Internet as part of their official lives and the effect that communication with constituents via email has had on community affairs

Vital Decisions

Presents findings from surveys conducted in 2001 and 2002. Looks at how Internet users make decisions about what online health information to trust. Includes a guide from the Medical Library Association about smart health-search strategies

Parents Online

Presents findings from surveys conducted between 2000 and 2002. Looks at the use of the Internet and other technology by parents with a child at home, in comparison with non-parents

8% of Online Americans Use Twitter

Presents survey findings on patterns of Twitter use, including how often users check for tweets from others and post tweets as well as what type of content they post by age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income, educational attainment, and geography