A report just released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows the age of Internet users is rising, with Generation X’ers leading when it comes to online banking, shopping, and researching health information, and the percentage of users from 70-75 years old showing the biggest increase (up from 26% of that age group going online in 2005 to 45% currently).

While middle-aged Gen X’ers and older users approach the Internet as a tool, younger users (teens and Gen Y’ers) see it more as a source of entertainment.  Among users 12-17 years old:

• 78% play online games
• 57% watch videos online
• 69% send instant messages
• 65% use social networking sites
• 59% download music
• 55% have created a profile on a social networking site
• 49% read blogs
• 28% have created their own blog
• 10% visit a virtual world

Access to the full report is here.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 12th, 2009 at 6:20 am and is filed under Research, Technology, Trends.