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It is hard to believe that the Web has only
been around for 10 years. At first, it was primarily used by
academics and scientists. Now - every day - all around the country, millions
of people of every age communicate, search for information, conduct business,
buy things, listen to music and play games on the Internet. A recent study by the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future illustrates how the Internet
affects America today. Here are some significant trends that have
emerged: 1. About three-quarters of Americans now
go online. The number of hours spent online continues to increase, rising to an
average of 12.5 hours per week. - The Internet is reaching a wider audience
- with the fastest-growing user populations being African Americans, Hispanics
and Seniors. Nearly 99% of schools have Net access. E- mail
and IM have helped build relationships and make the Internet seem more user-friendly.
Also, people are increasingly replacing time they used
to spend watching TV with time spent online. 2. The Changes in Buying Online Are Just
Beginning - The intensity of credit card concern is declining and Internet
users are buying more frequently online. Even though people still prefer buying
products offline, a growing number are researching their purchases online. A recent
survey by the Online Publishers Association (OPA) shows that 76% of people
say they prefer finding product information online rather than in offline media,
like magazines. 3. The Internet Has Become the #1 Source
of Information for Users - Interestingly, the credibility of the Internet
is dropping, but over 70% of Net users consider "most" information online
to be reliable and accurate. 4. Privacy and Security Concerns Remain
High - Net users worry about their personal and financial information online,
but they are also concerned about their time online being monitored. Issues with viruses, spam and phishing do nothing to allay these fears. Email is the
most important reason why people go online and there are concerns about spam,
inbox overload and time commitments. 5. Broadband Will Change Everything -
Again - High Speed Internet access will continue to influence how often users
go online, how long they spend online and what they do online. The changes
are going to keep coming - faster and faster. Imagine what the next 10 years will bring! | 
