• by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, April 20, 2006

Lest there be any doubt about the importance of the Web, the Pew Internet & American Life Project just released a new report showing that consumers increasingly go online to research milestone decisions.

The report, based on surveys of around 1,400 Web users in 2002 and 2005, found that an estimated 17 million Americans relied heavily on the Internet to choose a college for themselves or their child last year, up from 12 million in 2002. For 16 million, the Internet wielded considerable influence in car purchases, up from 13 million in 2002.

Additionally, the Web was paramount in key financial decisions for 16 million Americans last year, up from 11 million in 2002. And 17 million Americans found the Internet a vital resource for helping others cope with medical conditions, up from 11 million in 2002.

Why is Internet reliance increasing? For one thing, increased broadband adoption has made it much more convenient to get information online.

But there's more to the picture. The breadth and depth of the types of data available online has also grown in the last four years. In fact, Pew researchers propose that improved online content, combined with promotions drawing people to Web sites, might have encouraged more people to go online for assistance with major decisions.

Regardless of the reasons, the report is yet more evidence showing that consumers mulling large expenditures can be found online.