Web Draws New Users By Millions
By ANICK JESDANUN
The Associated Press
he Internet was used by more than half of the U.S. adult population last year as some 16 million new users ventured online in the last six months, according to a study released yesterday.
In addition, nearly three-quarters of children 12 to 17 had Internet access, said the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which has been tracking Internet usage and habits since March.
It said the online adult population has hit 56%, totalling 104 million adults.
The study also found continued gains among women, minorities and adults in households earning $30,000 to $50,000. Another strong group consisted of parents with children still living at home.
"As more people go online, the value of being online increases," said Pew center director Lee Rainie.
The study, however, found that two key gaps remain: Just 38% of the poorest Americans, those earning less than $30,000, had Internet access. That compares with 82% for Americans in households earning $75,000 or more.
Also, just 15% of the 65-and-up group were online, compared with 75% of the 18-29 bracket.
For the survey, Internet access includes usage at home or work, as well as libraries, cybercafes and other public settings.
E-mail was the most popular feature, used by 93%. Top uses on the Web were looking for hobby information, browsing for fun and getting news.
Pew found that 52% had bought something online, a jump of 6 percentage points. That translates to 14 million more online shoppers in the last six months of 2000.
nydailynews.com
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Will "Silver Surfers" prove the niche for companies like MSU? I think so...
Most of the older folks have no desire to learn "Windoze"..
Regards,
Ron |
