Who uses the Internet?

Question 58 asked respondents who had not used the Internet to contact government and those who had not contacted government at all if they ever used the Internet. Nearly 60% responded that they did. There were no significant gender differences, but a marked age-related difference. All ages under 59 were significantly more likely to respond that they did use the Internet, and this was particularly significant for the age group 30 to 49 (68%). Those earning wages or salaries, the self-employed and those on student allowances were significantly more likely to use the Internet (68%, 69% and 75% respectively),as were those in the income levels of $30,000 and above (percentages of 'yes' answers ranging from 65% to 84%).

In contrast, people in the older age range were significantly less likely to use the Internet (47% of 60 to 69 year olds and 59% of those in the 70 and over age group did not use the Internet). Respondents who lived alone and/or were on benefits were more likely to state that they did not use the Internet at all.