Thursday, January 29, 2009

Internet Demographic Usage Report

A report was issued this week from Pew Internet & American Life Project that details the generational differences of those online. 

Some key points:
  • Over half of the adult internet population is between 18 and 44 years old. But larger percentages of older generations are online now than in the past, and they are doing more activities online.
  • Contrary to the image of Generation Y as the "Net Generation," internet users in their 20s do not dominate every aspect of online life. 
  • Generation X is the most likely group to bank, shop, and look for health information online. 
  • Boomers are just as likely as Generation Y to make travel reservations online. 
  • And even Silent Generation internet users are competitive when it comes to email (although teens might point out that this is proof that email is for old people).
The study is well worth a quick look. At a high level it seems that younger generations use the Internet for entertainment and social activities while older generations use it as a tool for shopping, banking and research. Both older and younger peruse the net for viewing videos, travel booking and job research. Lastly, broadband usage has increased by almost half for those between 12-24, it's doubled for those between 25-64 and has TRIPLED for those 65 and older.

Here are a few links to other Pew demographic research: