2006-09-19-皮尤-More_Americans_turn_to_the_internet_for_news_about_politics_4页_214kb

报告摘要

Data Memo Summary

Report Details

BY: Associate Director John B. Horrigan
RE: Politics Online
Date: August 2006

Overview

The report reveals a significant increase in Americans using the internet for political news and information during August 2006, compared to previous mid-term election periods.

Key Findings

Increased Usage in August 2006:
- On a typical day in August 2006, 26 million American adults (19% of internet users, 13% of all adults 18+) used the internet for political news or information about the mid-term elections.
- This represents a 2.5x increase from the July 2002 mid-term data (11 million users).
Factors Driving Increase:
- Higher Internet Penetration: Home broadband adoption rose from 12% (2002) to 41% (2006), making online news more accessible.
- Increased Political Interest: While enthusiasm levels were similar to 2002, the data period (August) is typically quiet, making the surge more notable.
- Enhanced Web Content: More attractive political content from various sources drew in more users.
User Demographics:
- Daily political internet users were more likely to be male (62%), college graduates (55%), and home broadband users (77%).
- Age-wise, they were "only slightly younger" than average internet users.
Historical Context:
- Compared to the November 2004 election (18% of online users got political news on a typical day), 2006 usage was higher due to higher overall internet adoption (68% vs 59%).
- The 2006 mid-term was drawn out, allowing for sustained interest until late voting.

Data Methodology

Sample: 3,001 adults via landline and cell random-digit dialing.
Margin of Error: +/- 2% for full sample; +/- 3.5% for internet users.
Time Frame: Data collected Aug 1-31, 2006, based on a 3.5% daily occurrence.
Data Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project survey.

Conclusion

The August 2006 report shows internet political news usage reached an all-time high, primarily due to increased broadband penetration, sustained political interest, and a higher proportion of politically active individuals online.

Data Caveats

Higher home broadband adoption (2006 vs. 2002) had a measurable impact on political news consumption.
Similar, though not higher, levels of voter enthusiasm were recorded in August 2006 compared to 2002.