Poverty and Internet Access

A Cornell University and University of Toronto study address the lack of internet connectivity and the citizens in the lower socio economic classes. An interesting conclusion from the research was that Americans with low income and education levels are less likely to have Internet access than their wealthier, better-educated counterparts, but they spend more time online when they do have access.

Low-income families use the Internet for researching products they may purchase, gathering health information, and reading the news. However they spend more time communicating (e-mail, chat) and gaming. There is a macro economic case to be made here that if everyone had access to the vault of information that is the internet society would benefit.

If everyone had access to information about health and wellness we could lessen the strain on our health care system. If we all had information about products we could expedite recalls and prevent purchases of dangerous or overpriced products. If we all had equal access to art, music, human rights information society as a whole could benefit.