Use of E-Mail and the Web by Science Writers

The authors report data from two surveys of the National Association of Science Writers conducted in 1994 and 1999 to investigate e-mail and Web use by science journalists. Results show that task and social e-mail use have expanded dramatically. Also, the Web has become a regular part of science journalism. Enthusiasm for the use of the Web is a function of a positive orientation toward the quality of Web information, trust in the sources behind Web information, and individual characteristics of connectedness. The authors conclude with qualitative interviews with five science writers who provide supporting anecdotal evidence.