In Google’s largest consumer survey ever, Onward Internet asked over 100,000 people to quantify their feelings about the Internet. Onward Internet is a special project from NCTA designed not only as a way to learn more about American’s relationship with the Internet, but to provide a freely accessible data resource for anyone curious about shifting Internet sentiments. The nine question survey (you can still take it here) wasn’t just about the things Americans love about the Internet, but the thing they most want to see change as well. The survey’s data has revealed surprising trends in an ever-changing relationship with the Internet, especially from respondents in the Washington DC Area.
According to the Onward Internet survey, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland rank as the most “attached” to the Internet. In other words, the survey suggests the DMV would have the hardest time taking a break from being online. A full 23 percent say they would have “serious trouble” unplugging. Could it be that the seat of American political power is driving this constant need for connectivity? After all, Washington thrives on the razor edge of a rapidly shifting news cycle and nothing has fed this appetite quite like the Internet. Or, perhaps being one of the most educated regions in the world puts the DMV on a constant hunt for new, compelling entertainment.
Another interesting DC-centric revelation is Washington’s desire for a less combative Internet. About 5 percent of Americans say the one thing they’d want more from the future of the Internet is for it to be more approachable. But in DC, twice as many gave that response, suggesting there’s an even greater demand for a friendlier Internet. DC it seems is sick of the fighting – online anyways.
With over 100,000 surveys already completed, the opportunities for discovering new insight into America’s Internet needs are enormous. We encourage you to take the Onward Internet survey and to dive into this huge pool of data on America’s ever-changing relationship with the Internet.
This blog also appeared in CTAM SmartBrief.