Generations Online
Internet access is the norm for most Americans, up to age 70, and all age cohorts of Internet users (ages 12 and older) are equally likely to use email; about 90% of all internet users send or receive email. Given the many other variations in Internet use among different age groups, it is notable that this basic communications tool is almost universally used.
Even teens, many of whom disparage email as something for "old people," and tend to prefer instant messaging, have not completely abandoned it. Email is the most popular online activity, especially for Internet users age 65 or older. However, the best place to reach someone age 70 and older is still offline. Only 26% of Americans age 70-75 and 17% of Americans age 76 or older go online.
Internet users ages 12 to 28 years old have embraced the online applications that enable communicative, creative, and social uses. Teens and Generation Y (age 18-28) are significantly more likely than older users to send and receive instant messages, play online games, create blogs, download music, and search for school information.
"Many of these trends seem to be rooted the different needs and interests of each generation," said Mary Madden, co-author of the data memo, "Generations Online." "While it may appear that carefree teens and Gen Yers are simply having more fun online than the more practically motivated older generations, the communicative and social skills they are developing during these formative years may, in fact, prove to be practical tools that will serve them well in the future."
Internet users ages 29 to 69 years old are more likely than Internet users in other age groups to engage in online activities that require some capital: travel reservations and online banking. In both cases, Internet users with high-speed access at home are more likely to do these activities than those with dial-up connections at home, but again, there are notable generational differences. Fully 50% of Internet users between 29 and 40 years old bank online, compared to 38% of their younger peers (Internet users age 18-28).
Buying a product online is equally popular with all Internet users except those at either end of the age scale: teens and Internet users age 70 or older.
"Seniors are not only less likely to go online, but are more cautious about what they do once they get access," said Susannah Fox, co-author of the data memo. "Email is the one online activity that is attractive to all groups, including people over age 70."
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project
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