A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users

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Summary of Findings

Overview
Americans sort into 10 distinct groups of users of information and communication technology.
Omnivores: 8% of American adults constitute the most active participants in the information society, consuming information goods and services at a high rate and using them as a platform for participation and self-expression.
The Connectors: 7% of the adult population surround themselves with technology and use it to connect with people and digital content. They get a lot out of their mobile devices and participate actively in online life.
Lackluster Veterans: 8% of American adults make up a group who are not at all passionate about their abundance of modern ICTs. Few like the intrusiveness their gadgets add to their lives and not many see ICTs adding to their personal productivity.
Productivity Enhancers: 8% of American adults happily get a lot of things done with information technology, both at home and at work.
Mobile Centrics: 10% of the general population are strongly attached to their cell phones and take advantage of a range of mobile applications.
Connected but Hassled: 9% of American adults fit into this group. They have invested in a lot of technology, but the connectivity is a hassle for them.
Inexperienced Experimenters: 8% of adults have less ICT on hand than others. They feel competent in dealing with technology, and might do more with it if they had more.
Light but Satisfied: 15% of adults have the basics of information technology, use it infrequently and it does not register as an important part of their lives.
Indifferents: 11% of adults have a fair amount of technology on hand, but it does not play a central role in their daily lives.
Off the Net: 15% of the population, mainly older Americans, is off the modern information network.

Americans sort into 10 distinct groups of users of information and communication technology. ›

Copyright 2010 Pew Internet & American Life Project

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.