'Internet economy' is six percent of US GDP: study

The Internet's economic impact has doubled since 2007 and now fuels at least six percent of the overall US economy, a study show
The Internet's economic impact has doubled since 2007 and now fuels at least six percent of the overall US economy, a study shows

The Internet's economic impact has doubled since 2007 and now fuels at least six percent of the overall US economy, a study showed Thursday.

The study for the Internet Association—which includes major companies such as Facebook and Amazon—found the online sector accounted for $966 billion in in 2014, and some three 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," said Michael Beckerman, president and of the trade group.

The study conducted by the consulting firm Economists Incorporated 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 $79,184 a year, compared to the national average of $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, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Yahoo and Yelp.

© 2015 AFP

Citation: 'Internet economy' is six percent of US GDP: study (2015, December 10) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2015-12-internet-economy-percent-gdp.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

New US lobby calls for 'free, innovative' Internet

12 shares

Feedback to editors