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Internet Use Becomes More Purposeful

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the using-rather-then-playing dept.

tacocat writes "An article in the The Christian Science Monitor talks about the changing use of the Internet. They cite a report from The Pew Internet and American Life Project that talks about people Getting Serious Online. The study is continuation of people they have been following already and found that people are using the Internet more often for serious matters and issue of utility, rather then just for fun."

8 of 191 comments (clear)

  1. Yes by Zen+Mastuh · · Score: 5, Funny

    Some people are using the Internet for very serious things--like marriage proposals. Good luck, Mr. & Mrs. Taco!!!

    --
    "What is the sound of one belly slapping?"
  2. Yep, I've seen this... by thelenm · · Score: 4, Funny

    Lots of free sites that used to be fun are now making themselves "useful" by charging for subscriptions. :-)

    --
    Use Ctrl-C instead of ESC in Vim!
  3. Usefulness of the Internet... by Mr.+Neutron · · Score: 5, Insightful
    The overall utility of the Internet doesn't really sink in until I meet people who don't have it. I have a friend who has no computer, and lives 90 minutes from me. The everyday methods of contact that I take for granted just aren't available.

    I want to drop her a quick message... but no e-mail to reach her.

    Let her know how to get a quick bit of info on something... but no Web.

    I have to rack up long distance charges to talk to her: no IM.

    Email, the Web, and IM ALONE justify the purchase of a new computer (or even better, a $50 old one) and $20/mo dialup service. I can honestly say that life would be a real pain in the ass without the Net.

    --
    dinner: it's what's for beer
    1. Re:Usefulness of the Internet... by zangdesign · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The usefulness depends on who you are. If you're friend doesn't feel the need to be instantly notified of the latest advances in Viagra, pron, or need up-to-the-second news, then it would be of little use to her to have.

      I remember back when I didn't have a cellphone on 24 hours a day, and didn't even own a computer. I miss those days every now and then.

      Solitude is good for you once in a while.

      --
      To celebrate the occasion of my 1000th post, I will post no more forever on Slashdot. Goodbye.
  4. In the long-distant past... by Soft · · Score: 5, Funny
    Normally I don't just post jokes all day long, but this one's too good, it exactly matches #2 of Why Usenet is Like a Penis:
    In the long-distant past, its only purpose was to transmit information considered vital to the survival of the species. Some people still think that's the only thing it should be used for, but most folks today use it for fun most of the time.

    ... and the survey is from the Christian Science monitor, even better!

  5. Encylopedia? by don_carnage · · Score: 4, Insightful

    How many people out there still have those musty smelling bound dead-tree editions of the encyclopedia sitting on their shelves? Ok...how many would buy a new set?

    For most, the internet is their encyclopedia. When I want to know about something, I turn to the internet first (granted not all of the information is good...or decent for that matter).

    The point is, the internet will always be both serious and fun. It's a place where we get information about the world , our hobbies, our health and our games.

    --
    Wooden armaments to battle your imaginary foes!
  6. I never used it just for fun - can't it be both? by gosand · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I have been online since before there was an online. (do gopher and ftp count?) The Net has always been useful AND fun. Why does there have to be a distinction? I think some of what we used to call fun has for some reason become legitimate
    - It used to be cool to be able to see weather radar images, now it is useful
    - It used to be cool to go to IMDB and look up your favorite movies - now it is useful
    - It used to be fun to chat with people, now it can be essential.
    I don't think much has changed, it has just grown. There are more useful things, and there are more fun things. There are more boring things. There is just more.

    --

    My beliefs do not require that you agree with them.

  7. Re:Serious? by sinserve · · Score: 5, Funny

    I met my wife to be on a porno site, now I just need to
    get her name and number to finish the deal.