Internet usage increased with education, income and the presence of school-age children at home, the report found. It was lowest among adults who have not graduated from high school.
School-age children are most likely to use home computers to play games or do school work. Adults are most likely to use home computers for e-mail, to search for information about products and services, and to read news, weather and sports information.
The report is based on data from the bureau’s October 2003 Current Population Survey, the country’s primary source of labor statistics. It is the bureau’s latest information on computer and Internet use, though it is two years old and experts say Americans’ computer habits are quickly evolving.
“We actually think the (Internet) penetration in households is higher,” said Greg Stuart, president and CEO of the Internet Advertising Bureau, which helps online companies increase revenue.