The Internet as social ally

an article by Amy Tracy Wells and Lee Rainie in First Monday Volume 13 Issue 11 (November 2008)

Abstract
How do people use the Internet to solve problems? Employing quantitative and qualitative data from two surveys, one in which a random selection of the U.S. population responded and one in which a self-selected group of people responded, the authors argue that individuals use different sources and channels to seek information and assistance, depending on the problem they face. The authors find that a significant portion of online Americans turn to the Internet at times because it seems to fulfill their needs more readily and thoroughly than the people in their community network do. They present evidence of when people use the Internet versus seeking the assistance of friends and family and possible reasons for this behavior. This research demonstrates how, to what extent, when and why the Internet supplements people’s lives.

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