First Findings of World Internet Project

[icernet-admin at listserv.cddc.vt.edu]

The "digital divide" exists in many countries around the world, and is
especially apparent in the gap between the number of men and women who use
the Internet, according to surveys conducted in 14 countries in the UCLA
World Internet Project.

Among many major findings, the study reveals:
* Television viewing is lower among Internet users than non-users in all of
the surveyed countries
* Information on the Internet is viewed as generally reliable and accurate
by a large percentage of users in most countries
* Surprisingly high levels of online use among the poorest citizens in all
of the survey countries -- in spite of major divisions in Internet use
between the richest and the poorest
* Important effects on social, political, economic, and religious life in
urban China, where the world's largest population finds increased ability to
reach out to others, in spite of government restrictions.

"We found some online behavior is remarkably consistent worldwide," said,
director of the UCLA Center for Communication Policy. "Clearly, use of the
Internet is reducing television viewing around the world while having little
impact on positive aspects of social life, most Internet users generally
trust the information they find online and Internet use is having a major
impact on life in urban China."

Source:
http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/international/story.php?docid=85067