• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, January 7, 2002

According to the latest findings from a quarterly study conducted by Yahoo! and ACNielsen, consumer confidence in the Internet has risen ten points since the last quarterly study in September, and one additional one point since October.

Since the study's debut in June, 2001 with an index of 100, consumer confidence has risen to 115. As a result, the average U.S. consumer is more likely to take part in online auctions, purchasing on the Web, and handing over their information, including credit cards, than they were a year ago.

Thirteen percent fewer consumers, though, say they're planning to shop online in first quarter, down from 60 percent, which is only partially offset by increases in the average online dollar spend from $219 in October to $226 in December. And according to the study, online spending will total nearly $15 billion in the first quarter of 2002, based on intent to purchase, down almost $1 million from consumers' stated intent for the fourth quarter of 2001.

The report concludes that the increase could indicate a long-term change in consumers' attitudes toward the Web. For instance, even months after the Sept. 11, consumers' increasing confidence in the Web suggests its growing role in daily life in the future, and that people are relying on the Internet for communications, news, and to save time.

Added ACNielsen International Research managing director Travyn Rhall, "Web retailers are becoming more and more accepted as part of the overall consumer shopping experience."

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