I probably spend more time on the net than I did in the past, but it is definitely more quality time. Instead of communicating and e-mailing, I spend more time looking up info regarding wife's cancers and treatments, background on news events and reading news from other parts of the USA and the world. Seeing something on the History Channel will sometimes result in a trip to the computer to find out more.
On the shopping side, I do product research, price comparisons and consumer reviews before buying. I have definitely purchase a lot more using the net, most recently 1350 sq. ft of ceramic tile used to remodel and saved $2853.00 over the best price I could get within a 200 mile radius. Today, I bought a new computer online direct from the manufacturer and saved $270. over the retail version of the same at Circuit City or Best Buy. So, I am using it more now for information, personal growth and commerce than entertainment.