Who uses the internet?

Since 2002 there has been a 36% increase in households using the internet; 15 million households have internet access in the UK, (61%). Out of these households, 84% had broadband installed; London had the highest rate of 60% of households having broadband.

Six out of ten of over 16 year olds (59%) with the internet access use it daily. However, this daily use is mostly popular with the younger generation, as 84% of 16-24 year olds use it. Also, most of these users access the internet in their homes, with other people accessing it at work or at someone else’s house.

Over 16 year olds mostly use the internet for finding information about goods and services (85%), and using e-mail (81%). Surprisingly, not many internet users use the internet for downloading (35%), downloading music (30%) and selling goods (18%).

According to statistics in 2006, 65% of men had accessed the internet, whereas only 55% of women had accessed the internet. Surprisingly, more men use the internet for shopping.