According to a new report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project 45% of internet users say that the internet helped them make important decisions. They also indicated a marked increase over a report asking similar questions in 2002:

• 54% in the number of adults who said the internet played a major role as they helped another person cope with a major illness. And the number of those who said the internet played a major role as they coped themselves with a major illness increased 40%.
• 50% in the number who said the internet played a major role as they pursued more training for their careers.
• 45% in the number who said the internet played a major role as they made major investment or financial decisions.
• 43% in the number who said the internet played a major role when they looked for a new place to live.
• 42% in the number who said the internet played a major role as they decided about a school or a college for themselves or their children.