This mix of needs, and the role of public as well as commercial intermediaries in meeting these, is very evident in the online activities of Canadians. For example, when we consider the use of the Internet for a range of different activities, social and cultural activities are the most popular, some general market activities are also popular, and some activities that have a non-commercial and commercial overlap (training/education, job seeking) are also important. This trend is not unique to the use of the Internet in Canada, but is also evident other countries.¹⁸

The importance of public intermediaries to fulfill economic and social development needs is even more pronounced for those Canadians who are least likely to be connected to the Internet and have traditionally been on the socio-economic margins of society (low income, low literacy, lower levels of education, recent immigrants, etc.). Previous research on new computer and Internet users demonstrated that interest in the technologies was primarily driven by a desire to improve their personal social and economic opportunities. At initial technical exposure, gaining technological literacy and improving computer/Internet skills were major concerns. However, after a period of familiarity users attached greater importance to seeking general information resources that was of some personal social or economic benefit.¹⁹

¹⁸ "Study: Internet is Valued as an Information Source Rather than for Commerce", Tuesday, July 10, 2001, Digitaldivide.org listserve.
¹⁹ Report on Local Residents and the Internet, PIAC, 2000, p.45.