While overall there has been a lot of negative attention and news concerning the Internet and related business, it continues to be a great tool for marketing a business, gathering work-related information, and browsing for products and services, as well as research and study for millions of Internet devotees. Regardless of the many struggles companies and individuals have experienced surrounding Internet-related commerce, the web has truly become a part of our everyday lives and appears to be moving ahead optimistically. Although there have been reductions, layoffs and pessimistic views of online business, there are still staggering statistics that support the growth of the Internet and its continued augmentation. It will surely persevere in providing us with both technological advances as well as convenience.
In support of this encouraging attitude, according to the Christian Science Monitor, as of August 2001 it was reported that more than 513 million people were online. That is an increase of 150 million from the previous year. According to another report from International Data Corporation, some of the latest findings project that nearly one billion people will use the Internet by 2005 worldwide. It was also reported that global sales via the web, will increase to 5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2005 from 9 million dollars in 1997.
In further support of these statistics, a recent update from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) noted that over 100 million people in the United States used the Internet to communicate with friends and family following the September 11th attack. That statistic represents 57.1% of e-mail users. According to the UCLA report, 37.6% of e-mail users received some form of support and concern from friends or family while 38.6% sent messages of concern. The report confirmed that 42.4% of Internet users were online during the week following the attack for updated information. The survey also found that 22.9 percent of Internet users received e-mail messages of support or sympathy from outside the United States. Indications are that the reasons so many people turned to the Internet were based on its easy accessibility and immediate up-to-date information. It was also learned that by November 2001, both male and female usage of the Internet increased.
Exploring even further in reference to educational statistics, The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that 94% of youngsters aged 12 through 17 who have Internet access, used the Internet for school research. While there are concerns regarding the excessive use of chat lines and exposure to offensive material, 78 percent of those polled said they believed the Internet helped them with school assignments. Seventy-one percent of teens say they used the Internet as a major source for school projects and nearly 13 million American teenagers now use some means of instant messaging as the newest approach for solidarity with friends.
Other statistics indicate that the Internet is also being utilized for more everyday tasks, including banking, shopping, and bill-paying, as both a means of convenience and avoidance of long lines. According to a 2001 survey, nearly 50 percent of America’s banks now allow customers to review their accounts online with 39 percent encouraging bill-paying via the Internet. The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that as of February 2002 it was discovered that one-third of online holiday shoppers (32%) did at least some Internet gift buying while at work, raising the percentage 26% from last year. While the overall retail market was lower than expected this past holiday season, online shopping was way up.
As we move further along in 2002, we can watch for an upsurge in Internet use as the practice continues to grow and flourish, providing us with even more advanced and exciting technologies, products, services, and opportunities. The Internet continues to be a vital tool for making our lives more productive, simplified, and convenient.
Charlene Rashkow brings 15 years of experience as a Writing Stylist and Author to her creative efforts as a freelance business writer/consultant. She has successfully helped companies and individuals reach their objectives by writing outstanding press releases, bios, articles of interest, business plans, resumes, web site content and all other forms of marketing material. To speak with Charlene you may contact her at http://www.allyourwritingneeds.com or write her at info@allyourwritingneeds.com. You can also call her directly at (310) 514-4844
Charlene Rashkow Answers Content Questions: Click Here For Free Answers