Who's online?

Throw out the stereotypes and read this:

All Generations Are Online

Contrary to the image of Generation Y as the "Net Generation," Internet users in their 20s do not dominate every aspect of online life. Generation X is the most likely group to bank, shop, and look for health information online. Boomers are just as likely as Generation Y to make travel reservations online. And even Silent Generation Internet users are competitive when it comes to email (although teens might point out that this is proof that email is for old people).

Compared with teens and Generation Y, older generations use the Internet less for socializing and entertainment and more as a tool for information searches, emailing, and buying products. In particular, older Internet users are significantly more likely than younger generations to look online for health information. Health questions drive Internet users age 73 and older to the Internet just as frequently as they drive Generation Y users, outpacing teens by a significant margin. Researching health information is the third most popular online activity with the most senior age group, after email and online search.

In the U.S. 74 percent of all adults are online. Here are percentages by generation:

Teens (12-17) -- 93 percent
Gen Y (18-32) -- 87 percent
Gen X (33-44) -- 82 percent
Younger Boomers (45-54) -- 79 percent
Older Boomers (55-63) -- 70 percent
Silent Generation (64-72) -- 56 percent
G.I. Generation (73+) -- 31 percent
All Online Adults -- 74 percent

(Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project. Complete report available at http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Generations_2009.pdf)

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