The Internet Knows All

Whether the topic is financial advice, health concerns or job training, there's one expert more Americans consult than any other -- the Internet. That's according to data from a recent Pew Internet & American Life Project survey on why people first went online and what makes them stay. The survey asked 2,800 American adults "what sources of information they consulted for assistance with solving problems such as health issues, education and job training, or taxes." Topping the list, at 58%, was the Internet. Here are the others (two of which I made up):

53% -- Professional advisers 45% -- Friends and family members 41% -- Mattel's Magic 8-Ball 36% -- Newspapers, magazines and books 34% -- Government office or agency 16% -- Television and radio 13% -- Public library 11% -- Other source 6% -- Voices in my head

I think these results make perfect sense. After all, the Internet represents a vast universe of information that can be accessed right from your own home, 24/7. And you don't get billed by the hour.