A recent survey conducted by the non-partisan Pew Internet & American Life Project released some valuable information about the elections-related Internet use in the United States. According to its estimates, a surprising 46 percent of all Americans have used the Internet, their e-mail or text messages to inform themselves on the news concerning Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John McCain and on the progress of their campaigns. The percent adds up to about 30 percent of all adult Americans.

The survey determined that the Internet is quickly becoming a main component in the political process, as a place where people can read the news, speeches and updates, watch debates and live shows, share their opinions and also try to get others involved to take political action. The biggest percent of online politically involved people are the ones with ages between 18 – 29, followed by the ones between 30 – 49; the lower online interest involves people between 50 – 64 and only a few of the senior citizens over 65 use the internet for political updates.

Apparently, close to 35 percent of the adults have watched a political video related to the upcoming elections, which is considerably more than the presidential race of 2004 when only 13 percent used the Internet in a similar manner.

The downside of the political-related Internet use is that 60 percent of Web surfers believe that the Internet is filled with misinformation and they do not considered it a reliable source for useful facts. Only 28 percent trust the Internet for receiving politics-related updates that they can truly depend on.

"We've seen an evolution of the Internet and its role in politics that has been pretty striking," said Lee Rainie, the nonprofit group's director, according to Reuters.

The figures will surely lead over the next few months to an even bigger Internet campaign, as besides its basic uses it also helps reach people in a simpler, more effective and cheaper way, without the need of direct mail or phone calls.