04.13.12 – “Digital Differences,” a report examining the demographics of those who have and those who lack Internet access, was released by the Pew Research Center. The report highlights that 78% of Americans ages 18 and older use the Internet and 65% of adults have home broadband access. Those who do not use the Internet or have home broadband access are more likely to be over the age of 65, earn less than $30,000 a year, and have less than a high school education. Those who were found not to be Internet users also stated that their lack of access was either due to a disinterest in the Internet, a lack of a computer, or the high cost of the Internet. The report also highlights that having a disability plays a role in Internet use, with 54% of adults with disabilities using the Internet compared to 81% of adults without a disability and 41% of adults with disabilities having home broadband access compared to 69% of adults without disabilities. In terms of mobile devices, the report stated that 63% of adults use mobile devices to go online wirelessly. In addition, the report states that Smartphone ownership is now more prevalent than basic mobile phones with 46% of adults owning a Smartphone compared to 41% of adults who owned a basic cellphone. [Source: Pew Research Center]
Additional Information:
[ http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2012/PIP_Digital_differences_041312.pdf]
