15 Percent of Americans Don't Use the Internet

In research released today, the Pew Research Center says that 15 percent of American adults do not use the Internet.
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Pew Research

Many Americans are still offline.

In research released today, the Pew Research Center says that 15 percent of American adults do not use the Internet. That number is a significant drop from 2000, when Pew found that nearly half of all adults don't use the Internet. But it's still a far cry from a truly connected America.

There are several key reasons why some Americans aren't online. In a 2013 study, Pew found that those who aren't plugged in claimed a lack of interest, found the Internet too difficult to use, didn't have access to broadband or a computer, found broadband to be too expense, or felt "too old to learn" how to use the service.

In fact, the breakdown of Internet users compared to non-users seems to reflect the Americans who would have those kinds of concerns. Those older than 65 do tend to be the least likely to go online. But Pew's research also shows a deep inequality: A quarter of Americans who make less than $30,000 a year do not use the Internet, while a third of adults with less than a high school education do.

While more Americans are coming online, the digital divide remains real as does its impact on those without access. In our ever-more wired world, connectivity is crucial for access to jobs, government services, health care, and information—as well as for the education and skills training of younger Americans.

Government programs are trying to help close that divide. With new pilot programs like ConnectHome, President Barack Obama wants to give thousands of kids who don't have Internet at home free or low cost access. And the FCC is currently in the process of considering reforms to its Lifeline program, which provides a phone bill subsidy to low-income households, to allow those qualified to apply it to pay for broadband.