The study found that most e-mail users are reluctant to use the Internet to discuss upsetting or worrisome topics with friends and relatives. And although contact increases, it does not necessarily bring relatives emotionally closer. The numbers are higher for friends. Rainie said families and friends are close to begin with, so it made sense that the Internet would not always make them closer. The important finding, he said, was the increase in contact.
Women log on The survey also found online use among women reaching that of men.
Women now make up 50 percent of the online population, although men go online more frequently. Women also are more likely to go online to search for health information, jobs or just to play games. Men were more likely to search for news, sports and financial information, as well as shop and trade stocks online. The Washington-based Pew Internet and American Life Project is a new research center funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Its mission is to explore aspects of the Internet relating to children and families, communities, schools, the workplace, and civic and political life.