Is the Web Making Children Less Rural? A Study of the Internet's Impact on Non-Urban Youth

A study of rural children revealed some effects the Internet has on that population. Rural children who had Internet access at home were more likely to surf the web for materials that already interested them. Rural children who used the Internet more frequently were more likely to chat with other people online. And, unexpectedly, rural children who spent more time on the Internet were more likely to want children themselves. The implications of these results are discussed as well as the need for further research. Other descriptive information about rural children gleaned from the survey is also included.