According to the U.S. Cenus Bureau, Internet use tripled from 1997 to 2007. Sixty-two percent of U.S. households used the Internet from home; 18% did that in 1997.
Among those using the Internet in 2007, 82% did so using a high-speed connection. Just 17% used dial-up.
The rapid rise of broadband shows how quickly a ubiquitous technology like dial-up, which ruled the online world in the 1990s, can become outmoded, says Morton O’Kelly, chairman of Ohio State University’s department of geography.
Other findings:
•Mississippi and West Virginia had some of the lowest rates of Internet use in 2007 — around 52%. Alaska and New Hampshire, where people live in a handful of cities, were among the highest, 76.1% and 74.6%, respectively.
•For individuals 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree, 87% used the Internet.
Those without a high school diploma: 19%.
•69% of whites lived in a home with Internet use; so did 73% of Asians, 51% of blacks and 48% of Hispanics.
Hmmm … I think I’ll try this “internet” thing and see what all the fuss is about … Oh Wait ! … I’m already on it 😉
PS bought my first modem (300 baud, dial-up) in 1980