PEW Research on Civic Engagement

1. It does not surprise me that political involvement, even online, is something the wealthy participate in at much higher rates than people with lower incomes. Out of the population of people who make $100,000+ 45% of them donate offline and only 35% would donate online.

2. Out of the entire population of people who donate to political causes, 30% of those people feel comfortable giving money online. I can understand the reason for online donating, it's fast and easy, but it's much more secure (most of the time!) to donate money in person.

3. 37% of internet users, ages 18-29, use blogs or social networking as a venue for political involvement. 17% of 30 to 49 year olds, 12% of 50 to 64, and only 10% of the senior citizen (64+) community use social networking and blogging as a venue for political involvement.

4. Offline donors were three times as likely to give over $500 than internet donors. I'm assuming this is because it's more comforting and secure to hand an official a check for a high amount of money than it is to send it electronically.

5. One in every five Americans post something on the internet relating to civic and political involvement. This is surprising to me because I wouldn't assume so many people would voice their opinions on politics over the internet. I always thought there was a higher amount of people who would research without posting.