Web's infiltration grows

The Internet has become a staple source of information for American households about health care, government services and potential purchases, a survey to be issued Monday finds. About 60 percent of 2,000 people surveyed in the Pew Internet and American Life Project study said they use the Web regularly. Two-thirds of those had been online for three or more years.

At least 80 percent of the Internet users questioned in September and October said they expect to find reliable information about news events, health care and government services on the Web.

Almost as many Internet users, 79 percent, said they expect to find a business with a Web site that will give them information about a product they are considering buying.

"With the passage of time, people are gaining more experience and comfort with the Internet and what it offers,'' report author John Horrigan said in an interview. "People value the vast array of information online, and new search engines give them the ability to noodle along and find what they want,'' he said.

The "network of networks'' has become an integral part to the daily routines of millions of North Americans, agrees Barry Wellman, a University of Toronto professor and the co-author of the book "The Internet and Everyday Life.''

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