[253] new pew internet study: the strength of internet ties

[Roy Bendor <rbendor@sfu.ca>]

Those of you interested in the technology/society debate may find the
following research very interesting. (I'm sure the stats or conclusions will
look great in those fancy statistics titles you plan to integrate in your A4
movies...)

Cheers,
Roy


------ Forwarded Message
From: robinhamman <robin@cybersoc.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 12:09:10 -0000
To: <cybersociology@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [cybersociology] new pew internet study: the strength of internet
ties

The Pew Internet and American Life Project has published a new study: The
Strength of Internet Ties.

The suggests that the internet actually increases the strength, number and
depth of one's social ties. In particular, the study found that many people
turn to the internet at times of crisis as a way of finding the support they
need from friends, family and contacts.

The report talks about the rise of "networked individualism" which
Sociologist Barry Wellman, co-author of the report and whose work I highly
recommend for those not familiar with it, told the BBC: "creates a new basis
for community. Rather than relying on a single community for social support,
individuals often actively seek out a variety of appropriate people and
resources for different situations."

See http://www.cybersoc.com/2006/01/new_study_looks.html