Study on Technology Advantages: Old vs Young

THE RESULTS: 

Americans over 60 are only half as likely to have ever used a computer as younger people. In fact, so few older Americans have any experience at all with the latest technological advances (only 22% have ever even used the Internet) that overall attitudes are clearer when one looks at the under-60 group. Focusing on them, it is apparent that some kind of threshold has been crossed: Computers are part of everyday life for most Americans, and the Internet is close behind.

Virtually all Americans under age 60 say they have used a computer(92%), and most of them have used the Internet (75%) or sent an e-mail message (67%) at some point in their lives. In addition, more than 8 in 10 Americans under age 60 currently use a computer at home or work (81%).

Americans under age 60 are enthusiastic about computers and technology. Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) say computers have made life better for Americans, and more than 7 in 10 (72%) say the Internet has made life better. About three-quarters of Americans under age 60 report they like having so much information to choose from (78%) and like the way new technologies allow them to keep in touch (76%). By contrast, only 20% say they are overloaded with information, and only 23% say they don't like the way new technologies let people get in touch with them all the time.

Americans say computers are a necessity at work. More than two-thirds (68%) of working Americans use a computer at work, and 84% of them say it is essential for their jobs. About one-third of working Americans (34%) have access to the Internet at work, and of those who do, 63% say it is essential for their jobs.

Americans under age 60 are rapidly adopting new technologies in their homes. More than half (52%) of those who have a computer at home bought their first computer in the past five years. More than half (53%) of Americans under age 60 now have Internet or e-mail access at home.