Week 12 (#1): Why 1 in 5 US Adults Doesn't use the Internet

It seems like everyone uses the internet today; whether it's to check Facebook, go on Twitter, email friends and family, or to check the news and weather. I was shocked when I came across an article that stated that 1 in 5 adults actually doesn't use the internet...that's 20%! Although the internet has become way more accessible in recent years, and is a staple tool in most people's daily lives, the article stated that the primary reason 1 in 5 adults don't use the internet is simply because they're just not interested.


Among current non-internet users, almost half (48%) feel that the internet is irrelevant to them; that they don't want to use the internet and don't need to use it to get the information they want or as a means of communication. The next-most common reason for lack of internet use was due to not having a computer or that using the internet is too expensive, difficult or a waste of time. Only 20% of non-users say they know enough about technology to start using the internet if they wanted to, and only 10% said they have an interest in using the internet or e-mail in the future.


Not surprising, though, are the demographics that make up these non-users. Mostly they're older; 59% of US seniors don't go online. Also, 60% of US adults who never completed high school don't use the internet. Additionally, 40% of people with an annual household income lower than $30,000 don't use the internet. People with disabilities are also less likely to use the internet; one-fourth of US adults live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily life and only 54% of these adults are internet users.


Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/13/tech/web/pew-not-using-internet/index.html