Hurdles of access and benefits of usage for internet communication

Reported data indicate that Internet usage frequency is significantly related to the usage hurdles of skills, opportunities and comfort and that Internet use frequency is significant linked to the benefits of using the Internet in the areas of jobs, financial information, interpersonal communication, and political information.

Abstract

Studies indicate that the Internet has reached critical mass as a medium of communication and is being used by an increasing number of Americans. At the same time, however, research indicates that there are gaps in how various segments of the American population are using the Internet. To the extent that Internet usage produces tangible benefits, users of Internet communication will have advantages over non‐users as will high‐users over low‐users. This study reports the data analysis of a probability sample of users and non‐users of the Internet. Users were asked questions about Internet access variables (called “hurdles"), their frequency of Internet usage, and how much they gain economic, jobs, financial, political, and interpersonal communication benefits from their use of the Internet. Reported data indicate that Internet usage frequency is significantly related to the usage hurdles of skills, opportunities and comfort and that Internet usage frequency is significantly related to the benefits of using the Internet in the areas of jobs, financial information, interpersonal communication, and political information.