A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 40 percent of adult Internet users have gone online in search of raw data about government spending and activities.

The Obama administration has launched several Web sites that keep tabs on government activity - including , , and - and it appears that they and other government Web sites have some fans.

A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 40 percent of adult Internet users have gone online in search of raw data about government spending and activities.

Of the more than 1,600 people polled by Pew, about 23 percent have used the Web to find out how money from the stimulus bill is being spent. Another 22 percent have gone online to read or download the text of a bill, and another 16 percent have visited a Web site like Data.gov that provides access to government data, Pew found.

"Government interactions in the information age are often fueled by data," Aaron Smith, a research specialist at Pew and co-author of the report, said in a statement. "Online citizens canand often do'go to the source' in their efforts to monitor government activities, evaluate the impacts of new legislation, and track the flow of their tax dollars."

About 82 percent of those surveyed have looked for information or completed a transaction on a government Web site in the last year, with most looking for information about a public policy or issue with their local, state, or federal government.

About 31 percent of online adults are using social tools like blogs, social networking sites, online video, as well as e-mail and text messages to keep up-to-date with government activities. This is notable because these tools are appealing to a group that have traditionally lagged in their use of online government options - particularly minorities.

"People are not only getting involved with government in new and interesting ways, they are also using these tools to share their views with others and contribute to the broader debate around government policies," Smith said.

About 23 percent have debated an issue online, participated in an online town hall, or joined a group online that tries to influence government policies.

People are not eschewing traditional means of communication in favor of the Web just yet, however. About 56 percent of people who used the Web for government-related activity also contacted an agency or officials using the telephone, a letter, or in-person visit in the last year. About 35 percent, meanwhile, prefer using the telephone when they have a government-related problem.

Those who did use the Web reported that they were satisfied with the interaction. About 51 percent were able to accomplish everything they wanted to do, 28 percent accomplished most of their objectives, and only 5 percent said their visit was totally unsuccessful.