Access

Ones socioeconomic status affects their access to the internet and social media for sure. By the numbers it shows higher numbers of use and access as you climb the economic scale by household income. Also among Latino and African Americans the numbers are lower, as well. I believe their are many explanations for this other than just being in the low income bracket or divided on racial lines based on low income. Income does play a role no matter what color your skin is, however, I feel that it depends on your independent circumstances and what your family and social norms are for each household. If your from a traditional cultural background, a family who does not put a large emphasis on education, the inner city, rural, single parent, living with extending family and on and on; this can all contribute to whether you are accessing the internet or social media. (at least in the US) I am not a big fan of statistics based on broad generalizations and generic stereotypes. Statistics can be completely misused and misinterpreted based on who's point of view and what they are trying to get at. If everything is stated that these are simple, broad figures merely looking for trends and not taking into account the minutia of everyone's individual situations I can live with that, but we far to often lump people together or pit groups against groups rather than solve problems or look at our own side of the street no matter what income level we are at for the time-being. Enough with the diatribe, there is definite evidence about age and ethnicity when it comes to who's using what internet tools and social sites. These differences I feel are less important than getting parents, families and children access to the internet (especially for school and resources) if they so desire. A lot of people just won't do much for their children no matter what you "give" them or do to help, unfortunately. I do dig the campaign to give computers to resource deprived or underdeveloped countries, give them the slightest chance and you'll see children and families taking advantage of this opportunity with appreciation and learn like gangbusters. Maybe that's my subtle beef, we have so little appreciation in our country for the small things we are blessed with; let alone the big...

more in a bit...