The Ever-Shifting Internet Population: A New Look at Internet Access and the Digital Divide

This report explores trends related to non-use of the Internet by people living in the United States. Results are based on a national telephone survey of 3,553 Americans conducted between March 1-31 and May 2-19, 2002, as well as other Pew Internet Project phone surveys. In-depth interviews with non-users and new Internet users were also conducted during the summer of 2002.

The central finding is that 42% of American adults say they are not connected to the Internet; nearly three-quarters of this group, however, have friends or family members (often living in the same household) who are regular Internet users. The purpose of the study is to explore the reasons why some people, even those living in Internet-connected homes, opt not to use the Internet.

Among Internet non-users, 20% are deemed "Net Evaders" (they live with someone who uses the Internet from home). According to data presented in the report summary, some of these self-described non-users ask family members to send email messages or to search online for information on their behalf. However, "others proudly reject the Internet and proclaim their independence from the online world." 17% of non-Internet users ("Net Dropouts"), the study found, gave up previous Internet use for reasons such as technical problems. This percentage has increased by 4% since April 2000. Finally, 24% of Americans have no direct or indirect experience with the Internet.

Other findings from the report include:

• Between a quarter and half of current Internet users say they have dropped offline for an extended period at one point or another.
• Internet penetration rates have hovered between 57% and 61% since October 2001, rather than steadily climbing as in prior years.
• Most non-users live physically and socially close to the Internet.
• 60% of non-users know of a place in their community - often, a library - where Internet access is publicly available, while 76% of Internet users know of public access sites.
• The following demographic and social differences were identified:
  
  • Young, wealthy, employed, white, well-educated, city dwellers, and parents of children living at home tend to be more connected than their counterparts.
  • 38% of disabled Americans go online, compared to 58% of all Americans; 28% of disabled non-users say their disability makes it difficult or impossible for them to go online. A Braille computer interface costs approximately US$3000.
  • Those who are "socially content" (trusting of and connected to others), positive, and focussed outward are more likely to be connected than those who are less content or anxious. Those who feel they have control over their lives are more likely to be connected than those who do not experience such a sense of control.
  • Those who read newspapers, watch TV, and use cell phones and other technologies are more likely to use the Internet than those who don't.
• 56% of non-Internet users do not think they will ever go online. These people tend to be poor, elderly, white, female, retired, and/or living in rural areas. Reasons cited include misunderstanding of what is offered online, perceived lack of skill (27% say the Internet is too complicated), or specific fears (i.e., about pornography or fraud) or obstacles (i.e., cost).