Last weekend I finally got around to reading a Nov 2009 report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project about how the Internet and mobile phones impact Americans’ social networks. I found it so interesting that I am moved to share a couple key points that speak to the relevance of Internet access to the foundation’s intention of increasing its focus on the interplay between economic vitality, educational attainment and inclusivity.

Some of the reports most compelling conclusions include:

“Internet use in general [is] … associated with having a more diverse social network… that [is] more likely to contain people from different backgrounds. For instance, frequent internet users… are much more likely to confide in someone who is of another race [and] … discuss important matters with someone who is a member of another political party.”

“Some have worried that internet use limits people’s participation in their
local communities, but we find that most internet activities have little or
a positive relationship to local activity. … Internet does not pull
people away from public places. Rather, it is associated with engagement in
places… where research shows that people are likely to encounter a wider
array of people and diverse points of view.”

“We find that many internet technologies are used as much for local contact
as they are for distant communication.”

To my mind these findings reinforce the notion that communities serious about ensuring an economically and civicly vital future will make the investments necessary to ensure robust communication infrastructure and a broadband saavy population.

Bernadine