A new Pew Research Center study reported that "Internet users are more likely than nonusers to participate in volunteer groups and organizations and reach out to other members". The results of the study showed 80 percent of Internet users, including 82 percent of social network users, say they participate in a voluntary group or organization. In comparison, only 75% of all U.S. adults participate in voluntary groups.

"Use of the Internet in general, and social media in particular, has become the lubricant for chatter and outreach for all kinds of groups ranging from professional societies to ad hoc fan clubs," commented an author of the report.

Read more here.