More Californians Shop, Obtain News Online, But Barriers Exist For Some Minorities

July 16, 2008

Just over half of all Californians use the Internet to obtain news and consumer updates, make product purchases, search for information about health care issues, or to get details about government programs and services, according to a new statewide survey released Monday by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

Residents who are white, black, or over age 55 have "significantly increased their use of computers and the Internet since 2000," the study shows. However, Internet use among Asians, and low-income residents over the last several years has begun to decrease, according to the study.

"Many Californians go online to research the decisions they make as voters, taxpayers, and consumers," says Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO. "Yet there are tremendous differences in access to critical information that put many at a disadvantage in their everyday lives. At a time when technology’s role is growing and in a state that has led the way, this poses a major policy challenge."

Since 2000, computer use has increased among whites from 79 percent to 85 percent, and among blacks from 76 percent to 83 percent. But Latino users show a decline from 64 percent to 58 percent, and Asians’ show a decline from 91 percent to 81 percent, the survey shows.

source:  C.A.R.

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