The Internet’s economic impact has doubled since 2007 and now fuels at least 6 percent of the overall US economy, a study showed on Thursday.
The study for the Internet Association — which includes major companies such as Facebook Inc and Amazon.com Inc — found the online sector accounted for US$966 billion in economic activity last year, and about 3 million jobs.
“The Internet often has an ‘everywhere, but nowhere’ feel. However, in reality, jobs in the Internet sector have doubled, contributions to real GDP have increased by more than two-fold and employee wages far surpass the national average,” association president and CEO Michael Beckerman said.
The study conducted by the consulting firm Economists Inc found the Internet produced more than many other economic sectors, including: construction; computer and electronic products; broadcasting and telecommunications; and accommodation and food services.
In terms of wages, Internet jobs paid an average of US$79,184 per year, compared with the national average of US$61,547, the study found.
According to the report, about 299 million people, or 92 percent of the US population, are using the Internet.
The association includes more than two dozen Internet firms, including Airbnb Inc, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter Inc, Uber Technologies Inc, Yahoo Inc and Yelp Inc.
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