Types+of+Non-Users

toc =Non-Users of the Internet=

Not everyone has the access or availability to the internet and some people just choose not to use it. There are essentially three types of non-users of the internet: near users, distant users, and far removed users.

Near Users
Near users are the people who don’t use the internet based on the many barriers that are out there. These people would most likely use the internet if such things as cost and technical skills didn’t stand in their way. If cost were to decrease or even the access to more available computer, in such places in libraries, schools and other public places, the percentage of these near users would drop. Free classes could be taught to introduce the internet to people who have never used it before; perhaps it could be treated like an ESL class where people can come to class afterschool and be introduced to such resources. It would give them the experience and technical skills needed.

Distant Users
Distant users are the people who have absolutely no interest or intent to use the internet. This group of people relates to the older populations, mainly because they are so used to doing things ‘the old fashioned way’. Some are scared to even touch a computer, fearing that it would blow up or reveal all their info online. If these distant users were shown the many things available to them through computers and the internet, such as online banking, email allowing them to communicate with family and friends, or even online card games, they would probably have more of an interest. But it is because they have no comprehension of internet capabilities, that they just choose not to bother with it at all.

Far Removed Users
Far removed users are the people who simply just have a lack of recourses and the skills to benefit from it; mostly in developing countries. To help the far removed, computers and internet access needs to be donated, and these people need to be shown the many ways in which the internet will help to benefit their lives. By being able to forecast the weather and show new ways in growing crops.

Even though the types of non-users vary, there are still ways in which help can be provided to them. By having more internet accessible computers available and classes for beginners, the gaps between the Digital Divide, Social Divide and Global Divide will decrease.