Pew Study Looks at the "Social Side" of the Internet

This morning on the Son Rise Morning Show with Brian Patrick I had the pleasure of discussing the latest Pew study: The Social Side of the Internet. The study gives a fascinating look at how Internet users, and in particular those active on social networking sites, are more likely to be involved in volunteer efforts and in service groups. By looking at the report, Church leaders and those active in community service initiatives can obtain a great perspective on how to use these tools to gain more active participation by community members. I have seen this type of success story firsthand with my own hometown of Fresno's involvement with Walmart's recent "Fighting Hunger Together" campaign. My local community banded together to raise funds for our Community Food Bank via social networking and creative media campaigns on Facebook and Twitter. Although we placed second in the competition, the heightened awareness about our community's need and those working to fight hunger locally leaves our community a winner in the end.