Study: Americans driven online for help during recession

A large majority of Americans have used the Internet to seek advice or help during the current recession, according to a new report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Whether it’s to find out what went wrong with the economy, look for new jobs, save money, sell personal items, or apply for loans, 69 percent of all Americans (88 percent of adult Internet users) now fall into the category of “online economic users,” with Pew noting that these people are making sure to be extra-networked in order to get through the downturn.

According to Pew, 52 percent of Americans have been hit by economic troubles of some kind. The largest group is made up of those who have lost more than half the value of their investments, but others have experienced pay cuts, lost more than half the value of their homes, or have been laid off from their jobs. Because of this, price comparisons and searches for new jobs lead the way when it comes to economy-related Internet use, though searching for information about bankruptcy and advice on protecting personal finances also make the list.

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