A study done by Pew Internet reveals that 88% of American Internet users are heading to the Web to find information related to the economic recession – that’s nearly 70% of all Americans. (read the full PDF)
The study’s overview claims “Americans have used the internet to cope with the recession as they hunt for bargains, jobs, ways to upgrade their skills, better investment strategies, housing options, and government benefits.”
In previous recessions, tools like these weren’t available to Americans. Now, the Web rivals print and broadcast as the primary source for news and information related to the economy.
For broadband users, the Internet is the most important source of information. Broadband users make up 64% of internet users. For the general population, 38% of internet users find the web to me their most important source of information.
The study breaks down the main activities of these info seekers. The number next to each category represents the percentage of online economic users seeking this information:
- Price comparisons: 67%
- New jobs: 41%
- Coupons: 40%
- Tips to decrease everyday spending: 27%
- Earning more money/second jobs: 27%
- Personal finance advice: 25%
- Improving job skills: 25%
- Selling personal items online: 23%
- Unemployment benefits: 22%
- Home values: 18%
- Rankings/reviews on financial companies: 17%
- Loan information: 13%
- Filing for bankruptcy: 3%
Finally – here’s a great statistic to chew on: 30% of the online population generated content and commentary about the recession online. That includes activity on social technology sites like blogs, social networks, video communities, and Twitter.
What we like about this study: It proves that Americans are using the tools they have to educate themselves on important situations as well as participating in discussions and conversations with peers.
This information proves that businesses need to be more aware of their online presence – especially if you work in an industry effected by the recession. Keep in mind that 52% of Americans have been hit by the down economy.
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to educate themselves on where this activity lives on the Web. With the pursuit for recession-related information on such a large scale, interested parties should meet their needs by bringing the goods to their communities. It’s supply and demand. It’s social media economics.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
the Economic recession made a lot of jobless people in my own country. We could only hope that our economy becomes strong again
Our country was also hit hard by the Economic Recession. At least we are seeing some signs of economic recovery now. I hope that we could recover soon from this recession.
a.-.
Nice post about Statistics on the recession and Internet usage. I am very impressed with the time and effort you have put into writing this story. I will give you a link on my social media blog. All the best!