Small steps in the net and civic engagement

Pew have just published a report on the internet and civic engagement in America.

What has it found? You may or may not be surprised

the internet is not changing the fundamental socio-economic character of civic engagement in America. When it comes to online activities such as contributing money, contacting a government official or signing an online petition, the wealthy and well-educated continue to lead the way.

There are hints that the net may be developing new forms of civic engagement.

The report found that

Some 19% of internet users have posted material online about political or social issues or used a social networking site for some form of civic or political engagement. And this group of activists is disproportionately young.

No doubt social media will play a greater role in this but the barriers are changing oh too slowly