Alone, but not lonely: Canadian internet users still social animals, study finds
04.12.2008 17:01
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- Source: cbc.ca
Canadians who spend more time than others on the internet may spend more time alone, but the wide array of social tools available online means these people are far from isolated, according to a Statistics Canada study published Thursday. The study, one in the federal agency's series on "Connectedness," found that surveys conducted from 2003 to 2007 show that the internet has changed how people socialize, not reduced how much they socialize. Overall, 19.2 million Canadians went online for personal non-business reasons, representing 73 per cent of the population age 16 and older, according to the latest survey results from 2007. The researchers wanted to look at a variety of studies to see how this increasing reliance on online communication was impacting social relations. "Although there has been much talk about negative effects of the internet, the evidence presented here does not support the notion that the internet is increasing social isolation," the authors wrote. "Rather, research is showing that the internet is fostering participation with community members and in social organizations." The study drew upon a number of surveys conducted in the last five years, most notably Canadian internet use surveys from 2005 and 2007 and general social surveys on time use, social engagement and volunteering and participating. People who used the internet at home, particularly those who spent more than an hour a day, spent less time on traditional social activities such as spending time with family members or socializing over meals, the study found. Canadians who spent more than an hour online per day also spent, on average, two hours more alone than non-internet users. But nearly half of internet users' time on the computer was spent e-mailing or chatting with others. Internet users also spent more time talking on the phone than non-internet users. Breaking down the findings by different socio-demographic groups reveals that people have embraced technology "not to escape social contact or other traditional activities but to enhance them," the authors write. For example, the study found young Canadians (age 15 to 24) are the most active in using the internet for volunteer opportunities. Canadian seniors are more likely to play games with others online, and recent immigrants use it more than most other Canadians. "Does this mean immigrants are not learning English or French or that seniors are becoming reclusive?" the authors ask. "What is more likely is that immigrants and seniors are finding companionship online where few opportunities exist in their physical environment." RelatedInternal LinksMore Canadians hooking up to faster internetLaid-back loners love the internet: StatsCanInternet study shows Canadians are heavy usersExternal LinksStatsCan: How Canadians' Use of the Internet Affects Social Life and Civic Participation(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window) Consumer HeadlinesSloppiness at passport offices put Canadians' privacy at risk: reportA review by Canada's federal privacy commissioner has found passport offices failed to adequately protect consumers' personal information, noting passport applications were stored in clear plastic bags and sensitive documents were thrown in trash cans and recycle bins.More Canadians filed for bankruptcy in OctoberThe number of Canadians filing for insolvency protection jumped in October as the global financial crisis sent more individuals into bankruptcy, according to national statistics released Thursday. Building permit values drop 15.7%The value of building permits in October totaled $5.4 billion — a 15 per cent decrease from the previous month, Statistics Canada said Thursday.Alone, but not lonely: Canadian internet users still social animals, study findsCanadians who spend more time than others on the internet may spend more time alone, but the wide array of social tools available online means these people are far from isolated, according to a Statistics Canada study published Thursday.Barbie beats Bratz in U.S. court Toy giant Mattel Inc., after a four-year legal dispute with MGA Entertainment Inc., touted its win in the case Wednesday after a federal judge banned MGA from making and selling its pouty-lipped and hugely popular Bratz dolls. Consumer Life FeaturesFOODConsumer tipsHow to shop for your family without breaking the bankECONOMYGift cardsThe lure of plasticSAFETYRecalls and AdvisoriesBLOGFood BytesHigh-stakes baking: Cookie exchangesWORKING LIFEMalcolm GladwellCOMM-ODDITIESAuctionFlying Aerocar up for grabs on eBayPeople who read this also read …
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