For the survey, 2,303 American adults were polled in November and December.  The survey found that Facebook, employed by 62% of internet users, was the most popular digital networking tool used by groups -- much more so than Twitter, used by 12% of internet users. Of those respondents active in groups, 48% had a page on a social-networking site, while 30% had their own blog and 16% communicated with other group members via Twitter.  Pew's research also found that internet users are more active participants in their groups than other adults, and are more likely to feel pride and a sense of accomplishment about their group's activities.  Also, based on the survey's results, the notion that today's perpetually connected culture is exorcising religion may be flawed.  Pew found that internet users are slightly more likely to go to church or participate in organized spiritual functions than people who aren't online. Also, mobile-phone owners are significantly more likely to participate in religious groups than non-owners.  Pope Benedict XVI has expressed conflicting views on the internet. Sometimes he encourages use of the Web to promote Catholicism. Other times, he has said internet use can give us "a sense of solitude and disorientation," especially for young people.  Early on, savvy organizations identified the potential of gathering group-minded people online.  Charity: water started four years ago as a fundraising group promoting clean water in poverty-stricken countries. Because the organization is so new, its roots are in the Web, where expansion is cheap and nets can be cast widely.  By charity standards, the organization has grown quickly. Charity: water has 25 staff members and regularly creates big buzz thanks to online campaigns, using Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. It doesn't send direct mailings or street team promoters.
The stigma that heavy internet usage creates lonely, reclusive people blogging in a dark room may require rethinking.Internet users, and especially social networkers, are more likely to be active in