New Survey Looks For Internet Adoption Solutions

African Americans and Hispanics agree that Internet access is critical to success, but still lag far behind in actual usage for a number of reasons, including privacy, cost, and education, according to a new survey.

Earlier this month Brilliant Corners Research and Strategies surveyed 900 people to get their views on internet usage, and the statistics aren’t surprising–those with lower incomes and less education tend to use the Internet less that those with college educations, or people who access the web at work. Older people are also less likely to spend time online. The results were released Thursday at an Internet Innovation Alliance symposium, “Universal Broadband: Access for All Americans.”

Cornell Belcher, President of Brilliant Corners, took those results and dug deeper to find out the reasons behind what’s keeping those outliers–the groups that are less likely to be online now–away from the internet, with an eye toward addressing their specific needs. If you’re reading this it’s hard to imagine that some people simply don’t even understand how to get to the web, but the survey found education is still a significant barrier.

“For those who are not tapping in, its a knowledge question as much as it is a financial one,” said Belcher. Respondents reported the speed of Internet access was as much of an issue as the cost associated with getting online, but others said they simply don’t know how to use computers or other devices needed to access the Web.

Of course, lack of access to the Web ultimately means lack of opportunity. Going beyond the digital divide, people who can’t or don’t use the web will be lost as our information economy moves forward. Those lacking basic skills in the connected age will be just as behind as those who are now trying to catch up with basic computing skills.

“In a broadband world, the benefits to being online are multiplied,” said new IIA co-chairman David Sutphen. “And for communities of color, societies are changing in a way that makes being online a necessity.” He added that the emphasis has to be on getting to those people who aren’t connected at all to make sure they at least have access to the web, and move from there to educate everyone on all the benefits available online.

The research and comments presented at the symposium are part of the many conversations happening in Washington and across the country about not only increasing access to the Internet, but also increasing awareness of its usefulness. There success stories are growing thanks to organizations like One Economy, who also took part in the symposium, and these events continue to spread best practices that communities can adopt nationwide.

You can check out the presentation from the event below or head over to IIA’s website where they have video of the full event.