Throughout the centuries, there’s been inventions that have literally turned things inside out. There’s been the wheel, gunpowder, light bulb, phonograph, TV, computer, and of course, the Internet. Let’s see how much Internet has increased so far this 21st century.
In 2000, barely half of American adults used the Internet. Today, that number is at 84%, although that number has stabilized in the last few years. Even Internet use among senior citizens has skyrocketed. Now, 58% of seniors are on the World Wide Web. Those who have college and advanced degrees are more likely to go online than those who have less than a high school diploma. But even that gap is shrinking. Economically, those making six digit figures are more likely to go online than those who make under $30,000 a year. But even the economic gap is shrinking. Those living in rural neighborhoods are less likely to log on than their urban and suburban counterparts. However, 78% of rural residents still use the Internet. In 2000, Asian-Americans were the most likely among racial/ethnic groups to go Internet. Statistics prove that’s still true today. But others are catching up. In fact, African-Americans have seen the greatest Internet growth rate in the last 15 years. In 2000, men were slightly more likely to go online than women. Now, it’s about even.
What contributes to the rise of Internet use and the closing of all these gaps? I think it’s necessity and availability. These days, one can visit their public library for Internet use. Or you could go to someone’s house to do so. And it’s becoming necessary. I can’t imagine not having online access in 2015. Maybe that’s why tech leaders are working so hard to give everyone Internet access. Let’s face it, you need to Internet to do so many things now: travel bookings, job findings, running a business. Notice on job applications, the first thing they’ll ask you for is your email address. What would you do without the Internet today?