The percentage of Americans going online for political news and information nearly doubled at the end of this primary season when compared to the same period of 2004. According to a study released today by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 17 percent of adults used the net for news between April 8 and May 11. Four years ago, the number was 8 percent.

Clearly, the idea of the Internet being important to politics has been covered and written about extensively in recent months. But Pew’s study gives us some statistics to go along with all the talk.

Among the findings:

• 46 percent of Americans have used the Internet, e-mail or cell phone text messaging to get news, share views and coordinate.
• 35 percent have watched online political videos (think Obama Girl), nearly triple the number who did this in 2004.
• 10 percent say they use social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to stay active and get information. This was much more popular with younger people.
• 6 percent say they made online political contributions, up from 2 percent in 2004.