Pew Internet Study: Why Tagging Matters
A new report from the Pew Internet folks, reported at the Berkman Center website:
Home - Berkman Center for Internet & Society]A new study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project looks at "tagging" and how its effects have advanced Internet searches.
Their survey, conducted in December of 2006, found that 28% of internet users have tagged or categorized content online such as photos, news stories or blog posts." And that "On a typical day online, 7% of internet users say they tag or categorize online content."
The survey also notes that "tags...have a social dimension...organize(ing) information better for other searchers who use those keywords...bottom-up building of categories instead of top-down imposition of categories."
In addition to an interview with the Director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Berkman Fellow David Weinberger spoke with the Associated Press to contrast the use of tagging to older methods of organizing information."
You can also see the full report and findings at the Pew Internet & American Life Project site.
The demographics of taggers, so far, are these:
Taggers look like classic early adopters of technology. They are more likely to be under age 40, and have higher levels of education and income.
Taggers are considerably more likely to have broadband connections at home, rather than dial-up connections. Men and women are equally likely to be taggers, while online minorities are a bit more likely than whites to be taggers.
Considering the difference in population between whites and blacks that figure on race/ethnicity is really, really interesting. Does anyone know where there might be similar studies about race/technology adoption?
I know cell-phones put a whole generation of Africans and southeast Asians on the night in only 6 years, but what about here in the states?
Posted by: Erin Madsen | February 04, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Interesting study. I'm wondering, though, how many people interpreted "categorized or tagged" as "bookmarked". Not that I think it makes a lot of difference - the action that positive respondents took clearly indicated their desire to store or organize the permanent reference.
Posted by: Mike Beltzner | February 04, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Tagging also allows web-savvy users to keep the track of relevant sites without having to add a gazilion bookmardks in del.icio.us.
A mobile-type can visit a site he or she visits a lot that emplys tagging, and quickly see what's been added or updated.
Another example of how Web 2.09 will be changing our lives..
Just my take.
Bill Burke
http://www.adondo.net
Posted by: The Team | February 04, 2007 at 04:09 PM
There's something interesting point between ethnicity - education - earning. Especially, ethnicity and earning does not go together with each other unlike the data. Seeing more deep and raw data may be helpful. Thanks for introducing good survey.
Posted by: ggkiosk | February 04, 2007 at 05:47 PM
I can't make head nor tail of these findings once I get past the first finding. What are these percentages supposed to represent? Take the last question - dial-up/broadband - adds to 61% - but of what? Taggers or the whole population? What about the other 39%? Tin cans and wet string? T1?
Sorry - but this table is largely disconnected from the rest of the content, is not explained and as a result doesn't make sense.
Posted by: Dennis Howlett | February 05, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Well pew has some great studies that really show depth into US Internet usage, but still excludes minors (anyone under 18 due to legal complexities of studies)
Posted by: Hanoi TV | February 05, 2007 at 03:45 PM
This PEW article implies that taggers are a more affluent demographic which shows they just don't get internet 2.0
Posted by: Charles Frith | February 16, 2007 at 11:38 AM