The recession has affected Americans in many ways, forcing people to cut back on their spending and in some cases, out of their homes. According to a new study, it seems that more and more U.S. residents are heading online in search of solutions to their financial woes.

In the past, community leaders and social workers were relied upon by Americans looking for help during tough economic times. However, today there's an easier way to consult experts for assistance.

Americans Hope for Quicker Solutions Online

A recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that most Americans have ventured online to get help with their economic problems. In fact, the study estimates an astounding 88 per cent of all American Internet users have employed the web in order to research the recession and solutions of their own financial concerns. (Source: Internetnews.com)

Pew director and report co-author Lee Rainie believes the results reveal Americans' desire to get the information they need to help get through this difficult period. "People are anxious about these hard times," said Rainie. "They are more information-hungry than in normal times." (Source: reuters.com)

Web Used as Multi-Purpose Tool

The unemployment rate continued to grow last month, hitting 9.5 per cent across the U.S. With more people out of work, the Internet has received increased traffic with people both searching for solutions and creating their own blogs to help resolve the problem.

However, the web isn't just being used to search for jobs or financial advice. Many Americans are using it to research products they might have otherwise purchased more impulsively.

And that means several things: for one, there is a greater market than ever before for sites dedicated to protecting and educating the average consumer. However, it could also mean more Americans vulnerable to Internet predators. The challenge for security experts will be to keep the sharks at bay with more fish in the sea than ever before.