ABSTRACT
The trend toward growing use of computer-based communications stems from two mutually reinforcing influences. First is the often-cited history of improvements in price-to-performance ratios. A second and related stream of influence has to do with the convergence of computing and communication technology within an integrated information medium. This chapter provides a detailed look at trends in information and communication technology access for the US population based on Current Population Survey (CPS) data. The CPS is a large-scale random sample survey of households, conducted monthly by the Bureau of the Census. CPS data are suitable for analysis at the household level or individual level. Income, a categorical variable defined by quartiles, refers to the total income of the individual's household. Network services are dominated strongly by well-educated individuals. The survey data indicate that girls may be heavier computer users than boys, at least for applications that assist them with their school work.
