New York, Mar 23: People on Thursday turned to the Internet in droves, especially as they arrived at work, for information on the US-led attacks on Iraq, challenging news groups and government agencies to keep up.
Since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, the Internet has taken on the role the corner barbershop once played in small-town America -- a place where people gather to discuss and debate issues.


While some have said it's too early to dub this war with Iraq "the Internet war," mainstream media's Web sites have proved they're ready for prime time. While on the fringes, new forums called Web logs, or blogs, have emerged as alternative sources of information.
"As for people getting information and engaging in debate, Internet-type interactions are playing a key role," said Stephen Masiclat, associate professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. "The Internet is the primary forum where they can give feedback."
Nielsen/NetRatings said many of the top news sites posted double-digit growth in traffic on Wednesday, compared with week-ago levels.
Bureau Report