US civic engagement remains in the hands of the middle-class despite hopes that the internet would democratise political involvement.

Those are the findings of a report from the Pew Internet Project.

Online political engagement such as contacting officials, signing petitions and making donations is skewed towards richer and better educated Americans.

The report found signs that social networks could be encouraging younger people to get involved in politics.

According to the report 35% of US adults on incomes of at least $100,000 (£62,000) participate in two or more online political activities compared to just 8% of adults on incomes of less than $20,000 (£12,000).

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