In addition to using the Internet to respond directly to the crisis, 50% of online users sought out news and information online, with most (73%) of their newsgathering happening at Web sites of the mainstream media. Sources such as blogs and international news sites served as important news supplements, with one quarter of those who got Katrina news online turning to one of these sources.
"The Internet took on a 'do it yourself' character for many Internet users following Katrina and Rita," said John B. Horrigan, Associate Director of the Pew Internet Project and principal author of the report. "Whether they made donations or quickly established relief sites, people used the Internet as a tactical tool in a time of crisis -- sometimes to provide relief, sometimes to check on others, and sometimes to post information about happenings on the ground."
The Pew Internet & American Life Project's September-October 2005 survey of 2,251 Americans also showed that:
- The number of Americans who say they've ever made a donation to charity online grew by 53% in their latest survey compared to January 2005.
- 4% of Internet users, or approximately 6 million Americans, say they posted comments, links, or pictures pertaining to the hurricanes to chat rooms, bulletin boards, or blogs.
- 9% of Internet users, or approximately 13 million Americans, used the Internet or email to check on the safety of someone who might have been affected by the hurricanes.
