Health Information Quest Goes Online
In a recent report, the Pew Internet Trust has given us a look at generational habits online, and they’re not strikingly different from each other. I’m not particularly surprised at the similarities, but was surprised at the sheer number of us looking for health information online.
From the report, written by Sydney Jones and Susannah Fox:
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).
First, today’s labels for your convenience:
(I’m happy to be a “younger boomer” and fascinated that they’ve finally split the boomers in two, noting there are enough differences between us “younger” and “older” boomers that it made sense to do so).
The report notes:
“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.”
Here’s how the breakout looks by generation where Gen X and older are more active than Gen Y:
Look at the correlation of % who go online with the % who look for health information. That’s pretty stunning. In the Gen X generation, it’s a 1:1 correlation. As I’ve said over and over again… the need for accurate, dependable health information online has never been more important.
And now, thanks again to the Pew Internet Trust, we can really see the demand is there.
