Study reveals that 77 percent of Americans are concerned about their online image and 75 percent judge others based solely on their online material.

July 16, 2008 (TopHosts News Brief)- The world’s largest Web host, 1&1 Internet, released a study today conducted by MaCorr Research on how Americans treat and react to online portrayals of themselves and others. The survey of 1,006 US consumers shows that Facebook profiles, blogs, photos and other online content are definitely of concern to Americans.

For example, 77 percent of the sample “admit to having concerns about how they appear online” as a result of content appearing on the Internet. In fact, 27 percent regretted posting material about themselves online. Interestingly, 58 percent of those surveyed “Google” people they just met.

The survey found that more than three quarters of the sample, “judge individuals solely based on their material online.” Yet, almost 18 percent “believe their online image gives an inaccurate portrayal of themselves.”

Adding to the perspective of the study, Oliver Mauss, the recently appointed CEO of 1&1 Internet 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.”

Mauss points out that Web hosting providers have “the tools for all levels of users to easily develop and publish a personal website” and more and more are choosing to do so.

Visit at www.1and1.com to learn more about the study and the company’s comprehensive range of web solutions including domain name registrations, web hosting, email solutions, dedicated servers, and eShops.