2004-10-19-皮尤-Use_of_Online_Rating_Systems_4页_64kb

Summary of Pew Internet Project Data on Online Rating Systems (October 2004)

Key Findings

• Prevalence: 26% of US adult internet users (approximately 33 million people) have participated in online rating systems, where they rate products, services, or individuals, constituting 26% of all internet users.

• Definition: Online rating systems, also known as reputation systems, are platforms that enable users to express opinions and read reviews from others, fostering community and accountability or potentially causing harm.

• Demographic Trends:

  • Higher adoption among experienced internet users (e.g., those with broadband access or daily internet users), younger adults (e.g., Generation Y), men, and higher-income, educated groups.
  • Lower usage in less connected groups, such as those with dial-up access or lower education levels.

• Comparative Usage: Online rating system use is similar to other online activities, such as listening to internet-based radio (29%) and slightly higher than file downloading, but less popular than email (93%) or search engine use (84%).

• Examples: Notable sites include eBay, Amazon, and RateMyTeachers, with applications ranging from commerce to personal reviews.

• Context: This aligns with earlier Pew data on content creation, showing increasing user contribution to the online commons, though online rating systems are not yet widespread.

Overall Implications

Online rating systems play a significant role in internet use, encouraging user engagement but facing challenges like skepticism over information bias and potential for negative impacts.