Hi. My name is Breanne, and I need your help. I'm doing a project on the uses of the Internet, the effects it has on communication, and the relationships we form through it. Below is a short survey which I'm using to gather information. Please copy and paste the questions into an e-mail, then insert your own answers. The more detailed and honest your answers are, the more useful they will be to me. Feel free to elaborate on your answers.
I'm trying to reach a large variety of people. I would like responses from those of all ages, interests and nationalities. I would like to have enough answers by November 1st, 2004. Therefore I ask you to spread the link to this survey around. Post it in your online journal, on a message board, or on your website. I appreciate your help, thank you.
*Answer as many questions as you can. If you are uncomfortable with a certain question, leave it blank.
**By sending me the survey you give me permission to use your answers in my essay. If I quote you, I will use only the name you provide me with. The results will not be published.
General Questions
1. What is your first name?
2. Are you male or female?
3. How old are you?
4. Which country are you from?
Internet Use
5. Approximately how many hours do you use the Internet per day?
6. Bold the types of websites you visit:
News Websites
Music Websites
Online Gaming Websites
Chat Websites
Shopping Websites
Information Websites (weather, maps, research, etc.)
Other: ____________________
7. Bold the other services you use:
Music Downloading Service
Online Banking
Shopping Online
Online Diary or Journal
Instant Messaging Program (MSN Messenger, AIM, etc.)
Other: ____________________
8. Do you run your own website? If so, include the address.
Internet Communication
9. Do you prefer e-mail or 'snail' mail? (a handwritten letter) Why?
10. Do you prefer e-mail or the telephone? Why?
11. How often do you check your e-mail?
12. Bold those with whom you communicate with through e-mail:
Family
Friends
Colleagues
Acquaintances
Businesses
13. Approximately how many hours per week do you spend talking through an instant messaging program and/or chat room?
14. Would you describe yourself as 'dependent' on e-mail and/or instant messaging? Why or why not?
Internet Relationships
15. What percentage of your friendships would you estimate to be 'online' friends you've never met in person?
16. How long do you know someone online before you consider them a close friend?
17. Where do you meet online friends?
18. Have you ever lied about your age, gender or another quality to an online friend? Why did you do it? Did they ever find out the truth?
19. Have you ever met an originally online friend is person? Were they like you expected? Why or why not?
20. Have you ever had a romantic relationship online? Was it successful?
21. What are the benefits of online friendships/relationships?
22. What are the disadvantages?
23. Do you believe there is a sense of community on the Internet? Explain.
Conclusion
24. Do you value 'online' friends as highly as friends you've met in person? Do they matter as much to you? Why or why not?
25. Do you feel more comfortable with 'online' or 'offline' friends? Why or why not?
26. Are there any other thoughts you'd like to share with me?:
Send responses by e-mail to me. Do not post as replies in forums or journals as I will not be able to find them. Thank you! If you wish to hear about the general results or trends of the survey/project, inform me and I'll update you once I'm finished.
