Pew Survey: "Why Tagging Matters"

A new study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project looks at "tagging" and how its effects have advanced Internet searches.

Their survey, conducted in December of 2006, found that "28% of internet users have tagged or categorized content online such as photos, news stories or blog posts." And that "On a typical day online, 7% of internet users say they tag or categorize online content."

The survey also notes that, "tags...have a social dimension...organize(ing) information better for other searchers who use those keywords...bottom-up building of categories instead of top-down imposition of categories."

In addition to an interview with the Director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Berkman Fellow David Weinberger spoke with the Associated Press to "contrast the use of tagging to older methods of organizing information."

You can also see the full report and findings at the Pew Internet & American Life Project site.