More than two thirds of Internet users ages 18 to 69 years old say they have made a purchase online compared to less than half of those under 18 and over 70, according to a report published yesterday by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
The survey showed no more than a 4% variation among the different age groups between 18 and 69. For example, 69% of 29 to 40 year olds said they have made a purchase online and 65% of 60 to 69 year olds reported they have made an online purchase.
Meanwhile, 43% of 12 to 17 year olds said they have made an online purchase and 41% of those 70 and older said they have bought online, according to the report.
“Buying a product online is equally popular with all Internet users, except those at either end of the age scale,” said the report.
Also, Internet users from 29 to 69 years old are more likely than Internet users in other age groups to engage in online activities that require some capital, such as banking and making travel reservations, according to the Pew Internet Project.
Fifty percent of Internet users between 29 and 40 years old bank online, compared to 38% of users 18 to 28 years old and 22% of those over 70, according to the report.
E-mail was across the board the most popular activity among all age groups, with about 90% of all Internet users reporting that they send or receive e-mail, according to the Pew Internet Project. The lowest reported usage was among 18 to 28 year olds, with 88% saying they used e-mail. The highest was among 51 to 59 year olds with 94% reporting they use e-mail.
“Even teens, many of whom disparage e-mail as something for ‘old people,’ and tend to prefer instant messaging, have not completely abandoned it,” said the report.
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