Philadelphia, PA (July 16, 2008) -  Over three-quarters of Americans (77
percent) admit to having concerns about how they appear online as a
result of personal material placed on the Internet (i.e. blogs, photos,
Facebook profiles), according to a study conducted by MaCorr Research
and released today by 1&1 Internet Inc., the world’s largest web host.
A survey of 1,006 US consumers(1) also found that 27 percent have
regretted posting material about themselves online, yet 76 percent of
Americans admit to judging individuals solely based on their material
online. Over half (58 percent) of Americans now routinely ‘Google’ new
people they meet.  Another survey of 700 people who publish their own
personal website(2), as opposed to just social networking, found that 85
percent believed this offered more control over their online image, and
77 percent saw their website as providing a better impression than
social networks such as MySpace or Facebook.

The ‘1&1 Online Identity Survey’ found that an astonishing 77 percent of
the American public express some degree of concern regarding the issue
of ‘online identity.’  Significantly, the majority of Americans, 89
percent, now believe there to be personal material (such as photos, blog
entries, Facebook profiles) relating to them on the Internet.  Over 30
percent of people have been embarrassed by what others have published
online.  Almost 1 in 5 (18 percent) of Americans believe their online
image gives an inaccurate portrayal of themselves, with some 27 percent
later regretting posting material online.

Despite the level of regret, concern and misrepresentation, Americans
still use the Internet to search and quickly judge other individuals.
Over half (58 percent) admit to doing a search of people they meet
online, whether it be for social reasons, job applicants, work contacts,
romantic suitors or potential roommates.  More than 75 percent of people
judge others solely based on the material online, and believe that you
can make a reliable assessment of a person from this.  Some 67 percent
of Americans recognize that an online image is something that needs to
be carefully managed and accurate.

However, it is not all bad news when it comes to how we manage our
online image or identity.  When asked the best method for accurately
controlling and managing online identity, 70 percent of Americans
responded ‘having your own personal website’ as one of the top methods.
A further survey of 700 people who publish their own personal website,
as opposed to just social networking pages like MySpace or Facebook,
found that 85 percent felt significantly more in control over their
online image using this medium. 

Some 85 percent of people using a personal website believe that their
website has given them a positive online image, and 80 percent agree
that their resultant online image accurately represents them.
Significantly, 77 percent stated that their website has created a more
positive overall online image for them than a social networking page
could.  The research lends weight to the argument that personal websites
can be a useful means to generate or make modifications to an online
identity. 

Oliver Mauss, CEO of 1&1 Internet Inc. said, “Americans clearly
recognize the growing role of online image.  As the Internet continues
to become a common method of posting and searching about people, it is
becoming increasingly important for individuals to manage how they are
represented online. Controlling the material published is crucial;
therefore having your own website is a secure way to manage your online
identity.”

Of the personal publishers, three-quarters (75 percent) view their
websites as an enjoyable activity, and some 85 percent believe it has
made a positive contribution to their lives.  Mauss added, “Now that web
hosts provide the tools for all levels of users to easily develop and
publish a personal website, many people are taking advantage of this
opportunity. Personal website publishing is an enjoyable activity and
the uses of it are endless; from a career portfolio site displaying your
resume to a space to share hobbies and photos.  Personal websites offer
the high level of control and security that social networking sites do
not.”

As the world’s largest web host, 1&1 offers a comprehensive range of web
solutions including domain name registrations, web hosting, email
solutions, dedicated servers, and eShops. 

For more information on 1&1 Internet Inc., visit the website at
www.1and1.com.