Study Gauges Internet's Political Clout

December 9, 2005

By Geoff Baum

Internet users say that going online creates political clout, according to a new study released by the USC Annenberg Center.

The USC Annenberg Digital Future Report 2005 finds that for the first time, the number of users who said that the Internet can be used to gain political power has increased. Other key findings include:

•    Internet use continues to increase;
•    e-mail reigns as the most popular online activity; and
•    Broadband reaches its highest level for online access.

The fifth comprehensive research report on the impact of the Internet on politics, commerce and culture was released by the USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future.

“Print and television forever changed politics through their enormous impact on all elements of the political process - yet these media have never made voters feel politically empowered,” said Jeffrey I. Cole, director of the center.

“Until now, the Internet didn't empower voters either,” Cole said. “But with the expansion of information online about issues and candidates during the 2004 elections and an increase in voters accessing this information, this year the Digital Future Project found significant growth in the number of people who feel politically empowered by going online.

“The Internet will forever change the course and nature of American politics, probably in ways in which today's political leaders may not be comfortable because there are so many information sources and opportunities for dialog online,” Cole said. “The Internet is no longer a marginal force in American politics - it is quickly becoming the central force in empowering voters.”

The Digital Future Project (formerly the UCLA Internet Report) provides a broad year-to-year exploration of the influence of the Internet on Americans.

Now in its fifth year, the project examines the behavior and views of a national sample of Internet users and non-users, as well as comparisons between new users (one year or less of experience) and very experienced users (more than eight years of experience).

To receive a copy of the final report and the press release covering key findings, visit www.digitalcenter.org, e-mail gbaum@usc.edu or call (213) 821-1491.

The USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future created and organizes the World Internet Project, which includes the UCLA Internet Report and similar studies in Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia. The Center for the Digital Future was formerly the Center for Communication Policy at UCLA. The center, its staff, and its research projects moved to USC in 2004.