---
"title": "Internet Impact 101"
"description": "With all of the niche topics we research here at the Pew Internet Project, we often need to take a step back and look at the larger picture of how internet use is changing people’s everyday lives."
"date": "2005-06-08"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Mary Madden"
    "job_title": "Former Senior Researcher"
    "link": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/staff/mary-madden/"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet/2005/06/08/internet-impact-101/"
"categories":
  - "Emerging Technology"
  - "Leisure"
  - "Lifestyle"
---

# Internet Impact 101

With all of the niche topics we research here at the Pew Internet Project, we often need to take a step back and look at the larger picture of how internet use is changing people’s everyday lives—from the momentous to the mundane. Last year, in our [Selective Exposure Survey](https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet/PPF/r/141/report_display.asp), we were able to “check in” with the public to see how the internet had improved some of these basic functions of everyday life. Here’s what we found:

- 90% of online adults said the internet had improved their ability to get news and information that they can’t get elsewhere 
- 89% said the internet had improved their ability to keep in touch with friends and family 
- 83% said the internet had improved the way they pursue hobbies or interests 
- 63% said the internet had improved their ability to complete everyday tasks like shopping or paying bills. 
- 61% said the internet had improved their ability to do their job