CNW Group and Leger Marketing today shared a preview of comprehensive new research into the social media usage, views and habits of Canadian consumers and public relations practitioners. These summary results were announced at the mesh 2009 Web Conference. The study was unique in its approach of looking at both the consumer and PR practitioner sides of the social media relationship; looking for gaps and overlaps in PR practitioner perception and the consumer-reported reality. More than 1,500 Canadian consumers were surveyed on issues ranging from how often they use online communications tools, to how social media has influenced their purchasing decisions. PR Practitioners were asked how they thought consumer users would respond. In order to ensure the integrity of the research, only those consumers and PR practitioners who engage in social media were invited to participate.