In a June 26 report, Pew Research Center detailed their 15 years of analysis. Between 2000 and 2015 Pew Research has conducted 97 surveys nationally with various adults in different aspects of society. In 2000 just over 50 percent of adults were Internet savvy. As of the report date 84 percent of American adults are now utilizing the Internet in their everyday lifestyles. The study specifically looked across age, class, gender, ethnicity and community differences. Not surprising is the finding that those with higher education’s as well as higher incomes are more probable to be Internet users, although the gap has shrunk significantly between 2000 and 2015.
Exploding increase of Internet usage from 2000 to 2015
With 84 percent of adults in America utilizing the Internet in 2015, and continuing to grow in numbers, it is evident that the Internet has become an increasing essential part of the American lifestyle. The Pew Research Center growth data shows how Internet usage has exploded for many Americans noting how for specific groups the Internet has neared the saturation point.
The Pew Research Center has found through their research that seniors are now more rapidly catching on to the necessities of being Internet savvy. The Center’s statistics show a sharper increase of those 65 and older who are now using the Internet as part of their day by day life. In 2000 only 14 percent of seniors were utilizing the Internet. This number has climbed to 58 percent of the over 65 crowd in 2015, who are realizing the need to be connected as a part of life. The kids and younger adults took on the Internet very quickly and have proved to rise steadily through the 15 years of the study. A steady rise is also true for those in the 50 to 64 year age range.
Social media marketing specialists are taking notice of the Internet explosion of usage in America.
Marketing experts see the opportunity of the exploding use of the Internet for promoting business through ecommerce websites using search engine optimization. When people are going about their daily Internet activities, businesses are now able to utilize search engine optimization to market their products through ecommerce. As Internet media marketing professional George Ajazi states “Search engine optimization, or SEO for short, is a major element in the world of website design and usability today” furthering “Organic search results are important in any ecommerce initiative.”
The higher use of the Internet is benefiting all by opening up the world to anyone connected. Pew Research Center reported on Jan 9 that they conducted a social media survey in September of 2014 finding “For the first time, more than half of all online adults 65 and older (56%) use Facebook. This represents 31% of all seniors.” As per the report Facebook was found to be the most utilized social media site with a continuing increased usage of its platform. Although other popular social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest have seen growth Pew Research Center states “Facebook acts as ‘home base’ — it remains the most popular site for those who only use one, and has significant overlap with other platforms.”
Seniors are realizing the benefits of Internet usage as a way to keep in touch and stay relevant. Without even leaving the comfort of the home seniors are becoming conscious of the many advantages that using the Internet affords them such as staying in instant communication with family and friends and getting to see wonderful photos of the kids and grandchildren.
The Internet has become a library at one’s fingers allowing for all to use search engines to conduct research and to gather information on subjects of interest and news. Time to relish a good book or movie, the Internet allows one to get instant gratification for entertainment. Social media marketing has certainly realized the usage of the search engines as an invaluable tool for consumers and businesses with people increasingly use the Internet for shopping around for the best price and then ordering an item to be delivered without having to leave the comfort of home base.
