Higher Civic Engagement among Early Internet Adopters: Trend or Phase?

Title: Higher Civic Engagement among Early Internet Adopters: Trend or Phase?

Research Question: How does the adoption of the internet affect civic engagement and community involvement?

Methodology: The study used survey data collected from four U.S. towns and cities with established community computer networking. The survey asked about respondents' education and social status, their level of internet use, and their involvement in community and civic activities.

Results: The study found that early adopters of the internet were more likely to engage in civic activities and have higher levels of community involvement than later adopters. Additionally, early adopters were more likely to use the internet to increase their community involvement and political participation. Later adopters, on the other hand, showed less involvement in their local community and less interest in political activity, both online and offline.

Implications: The findings suggest that the increase in civic engagement and community involvement seen with early internet adopters may be a phase rather than a trend. As more people adopt the internet, the use of it for community involvement and civic engagement appears to decrease. This implies that while the internet can facilitate civic engagement, it may not lead to a long-term increase in such activities.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0109087v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0109087v1