2012-04-12-皮尤-Digital_differences_41页_1mb

Digital Disparities in Internet Access (April 13, 2012 Report Summary)

Despite increased internet adoption from 10% to 78% of U.S. adults between 1995 and 2011, significant digital divides remain based on age, education, income, race/ethnicity, and disability. Key findings:

• Demographic Gaps:

  • Age: Adults 65+ use internet at 41% vs. 94% of 18-29-year-olds.
  • Education: High school dropouts use internet at 43% vs. 94% of college graduates.
  • Income: Those below $30,000/year use internet at 62% vs. 97% of those over $75,000.
  • Race/Ethnicity: Black adults use at 71% vs. 80% of whites; Hispanic use at 68% overall.
  • Disability: 54% of adults with disabilities use internet vs. 81% without.

• Non-Users (1 in 5 Adults): Main reasons include irrelevance (21%), cost (21%), and lack of usability (20%). Most have never used internet and few have family support.

• Broadband Access: Only 62% have high-speed broadband at home, with similar disparities to general internet use. Price and availability are key barriers.

• Internet Activities: For online users, email and search are widespread, with gaps by age, income, and education. Social networking grows, with 65% of users engaging.

• Mobile and Smartphones: Mobile use rises, with 63% of adults accessing internet wirelessly in 2011. Smartphones (46% ownership) bridge gaps, especially for low-income and minority groups. Mobile helps organizations reach underserved populations.

• Narrowing Gaps: While disparities persist, gaps between whites and minorities have decreased over time, though they remain significant after controlling for income and education.

Overall, while internet adoption has leveled off, mobile technology aids in reducing divides, but factors like age, education, and income continue to hinder full digital inclusion.