The Pew Internet & American Life Project studies the social impact of the internet. It’s a non-partisan, non-profit “fact tank” that produces reports exploring the impact of the internet on families, communities, work and home, daily life, education, health care, and civic and political life. Their mission is to make it easy for people to find – and share – their research.
I’ve been reporting on their Pew for the last 4 years (here’s a few Pew research links to start with) and all of their reports, presentations, and data sets dating back to the year 2000 are available for free. I’ve also interviewed Pew’s director, Lee Rainie which you can read here: “Interview the Experts” Spotlight Pew Internet Project Founder Lee Rainie. Lee is a co-author of Up for Grabs, Hopes and Fears, and the forthcoming Ubiquity, Mobility, Security, a series of books about the future of the internet Project surveys.
Just a reminder that there is a new Pew site up and it’s well worth the visit. If you are interested in how online technologies are affecting American culture (or if you’re a data addict like me) then Pew is for you.
Cynthia
I’m curious, what do you make of the fact that the “Net Generation” isn’t the only generation utilizing social media? Why does an older generation of social media users have the “stigma” of being “out of the loop” when this is clearly not the case?
I ask because I’m trying to evaluate how to best educate this older generation in how the “Net Generation” communicates. Although I believe there are distinct differences between these two generations, I think the gaps may be smaller than first thought!
Great link. I cited you on a post concerning this coming up on Wednesday!
Justin
What a great resource! I love metrics and statistics; more especially those that relate to the church. This is a very, very relevant endeavor.
Very Respectfully In Christ,
T. Michael Cart