The Internet's Role in Campaign 2008

Some 74% of Internet users--representing 55% of the entire adult population--went online in 2008 to get involved in the political process or to get news and information about the election. This marks the first time that a Pew Internet & American Life Project survey has found that more than half of the voting-age population used the Internet to get involved in the political process during an election year. Several online activities rose to prominence in 2008. In particular, Americans were eager to share their views on the race with others and to take part in the online debate on social media sites such as blogs and social networking sites. •Nearly one in five (18%) Internet users posted their thoughts, comments or questions about the campaign on an online forum such as a blog or social networking site. Fully 45% of Internet users went online to watch a video related to the campaign. One in three Internet users forwarded political content to others.