CALIFORNIA BUSINESS MINUTE
Californians and their Computers
07-02-09
Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.
Californians love computers. They surf, tweet and link. They have a need for
(broadband) speed and can't get enough fiber-optics. A new statewide survey
confirms that, especially in today's economy that Californians are using their
computers more than ever.
"At a time when people are cutting back on luxuries, we seem to be seeing the
computer as a necessity," said Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of the Public
Policy Institute of California. "I find it remarkable that in these tough economic
times Californians "... are continuing to increase their use of the Internet."
Based on the survey of 2500 adults, Californians have home Internet access than
last year — 67 percent compared with 63 percent a year ago. Overall Internet usage
climbed to 76 percent, up from 70 percent a year ago. Four percent more Computer
ownership is also up slightly. Today, 75 percent of Californians own a computer,
compared with 72 percent in 2008. Use of social-networking sites climbed 11 points
to 37 percent.
The latter figure "really jumped out at us," Baldassare said. "(Social networking)
has certainly taken over the 18-34 age group, but we're also seeing it used by
those 35 and older," he said. "In tough economic times, you can cut out the car.
It's an economical way to look for work."
Not surprisingly, income was directly tied to computer usage. In households with
incomes of $80,000 or more, 97 percent use computers or have access to the Internet.
For those with annual incomes less than $40,000, just 65 percent used computers and
58 percent used the Internet.
I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.
For more information go to http://www.ppic.org/main/pressrelease.asp?i=950
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