AUT - World Internet Project

The Internet has changed how business and trade deals are made; how schools and other academic institutions, councils, media and advertisers operate. The Internet also impacts on family interaction, the ways in which people form new friendships, and the communities to which people belong.

The World Internet Project New Zealand (WIP NZ) is an extensive research project, operating since 2007, which aims to provide important information about the social, cultural, political and economic influence of the Internet and related digital technologies. As part of the World Internet Project International, an international collaborative research effort, the WIP NZ enables valid and rigorous comparison between New Zealand and 30 other countries around the world. Each partner country in the WIP shares a set of 30 common questions.

ICDC’s longitudinal survey includes a cross-section of participants aged 12 and up across New Zealand. Targeted sampling ensures that ethnic groups and age ranges are not under-represented.

The survey investigates Internet access and targets Internet users as well as non-users; who uses this technology and what they do online. It also considers off-line activities such as how much time is spent with friends and family. Other questions address the effects of the Internet on language use; social, cultural and educational development and the role of the Internet in accessing information or purchasing products.

In addition to studying the impact of the Internet, the survey tracks the effectiveness of strategies to address issues such as the digital divide between rich and poor; urban and rural. More specific topics such as the impact of social networking are examined in detail in a new related study; the Internet and Society Panel Project.

Supporting project sponsors: