In the 2010s, Americans who use the Internet are in the 80s percentile range. In 2000, it was 46%, and in 2005, it was 68%. But this number also means as of 2013, around 38 million Americans are without Internet access. Let’s examine the reasons.
Economics have a? role to play. Of those surveyed who don’t use the Internet, 19% say that can’t afford a computer neither/nor an Internet provider service. Some say that lack online service in their local area. But let’s look at the other 66%. This group will tell you it’s simply by choice. This group says it’s not relative to them and simply want no part of it. They also say they’re so concerned with issues from spam to hackers to privacy rights, that they feel safer if they don’t log on at all. The majority of non-Internet users are over 65. Only 8% of off-line Americans say they even have the desire to get back on.
There’s quite a few observations here. First, if? people don’t want to use the Internet for various reasons, more power to them. Who are we to tell them how to conduct their lives? But my concern is the minority who can’t afford it or have access to it. In 2013 America, that has to change. Thankfully, there are public libraries virtually in every county in the US that will let you use computers for free. All you need is to get their local library card. Yes, there are time limits and censor filters for naughty websites, but at lest those who want to use the Web can do so. But there are some who can’t even get to their local library. What about people living in extremely rural areas? How do those who want to get online do so? There is a movement among some online movers and shakers to make sure everyone has access to being online. In this day and age, should online access be a right to all Americans?