ABSTRACT
In the fall of 2000, a Pew Internet & American Life Project telephone survey of 2,503 adults reported that that 59% of Americans over the age of 18 were connected to the Internet (Lenhart, 2000). Most readers considered this statistic just another indication of the phenomenal growth of the Internet as a communication medium over the previous decade. But the Pew survey went on to question the 41% of the sample who were non-users about their future Internet plans. Here the results were equally surprising. Whereas 41% of thosewho reported theywere notyet online said they would either definitely or probably go online, the largest share of respondents not yet online, 57%, said they would definitely or probably not go on the Internet. A majority of those who lacked any plans to go online turned out to be 60 years of age or older. And yet, even among the youngest age group surveyed, 18 to 39 years old, 14% fell into the definitely not or probably will not categories. This reluctance to use the Internet among younger Americans implies that advancing age and unfamiliaritywith new technology is not a sufficient explanation ofwhy individuals avoid the Internet. Despite the ubiquitous role computers play at work and home as a productivity tool and a medium for information and entertainment, a significant
portion of the population seems to harbor negative attitudes about them. Thus, studying the sources of such negative feelings about computer technology has become a vital area of social research.
