2012-10-02-皮尤-Changes_to_the_way_we_identify_internet_users_5页_329kb

Summary of Changes to Internet User Identification Method

Core Content

The Pew Internet and American Life Project has updated its method for identifying internet users to reflect changes in how people access the internet, particularly through mobile devices. Previously, internet users were defined by answering "yes" to either using the internet or sending/receiving email. In 2012, a third question was introduced to capture mobile internet users.

Main Changes

• New Definition: Internet users are now defined as those who answer "yes" to any of the three questions:

  1. Use the internet, at least occasionally.
  2. Send or receive email, at least occasionally.
  3. Access the internet on a mobile device, at least occasionally.

• Impact on Overall Internet User Count:

  • Adding the mobile question increased the overall internet user percentage by 1 percentage point in both August and September 2012 surveys.
  • This increase is within the margin of error for the general population, but larger in certain demographic subgroups.

• Demographic Variations:

  • The mobile question had a significant impact on groups with lower educational attainment and lower household income.
  • For example, adults with less than a high school diploma saw an increase of 5 percentage points in August and 4 percentage points in September.
  • Adults with lower household income (under $30,000) also experienced notable increases in internet user estimates when mobile connectivity was included.

Key Findings

• August 2012 Survey (n=2,253):

  • 85% of adults were identified as internet users.
  • Mobile connectivity added 1 percentage point to the overall figure.
  • 53% of adults used all three methods.
  • 22% used internet and email but not mobile.
  • 4% used internet and mobile but not email.
  • 1% used only mobile.
  • 1% used only email.
  • 15% used none of the methods.

• September 2012 Survey (n=3,014):

  • 81% of adults were identified as internet users.
  • Mobile connectivity added 1 percentage point to the overall figure.
  • 53% of adults used all three methods.
  • 22% used internet and email but not mobile.
  • 4% used internet and mobile but not email.
  • 1% used only mobile.
  • 1% used only email.
  • 15% used none of the methods.

Demographic Impact

Conclusion

The addition of the mobile connectivity question has provided a more comprehensive understanding of internet use in the U.S. While the overall increase in internet users is small and within the margin of error, the impact varies significantly across demographic groups, particularly among those with lower education and income levels. These changes reflect evolving behaviors and access patterns, and further analysis across multiple surveys is needed to confirm long-term trends.