The bar chart illustrates the percentage people using the internet, based on different age groups, over a period of three years from 1998 to 2000.
Overall, the proportions of internet users among those under 15 years old and above 50 years old witnessed an upward trend, while the others experienced a reverse pattern. Notably, the figure for the 16-30 age group recorded the highest throughout the surveyed period.
Regarding the two age groups that showed growth, both those under 15 and over 50 experienced significant increases in internet usage. The percentage of children under 15 using the internet started at a mere 2% in 1998, making it initially the lowest among all groups. This figure then saw a substantial rise to 8% in 1999 and further increased to 9% by 2000, representing more than a fourfold increase over the period. Similarly, the internet usage among those aged 50 or more began at 4% in 1998, doubled to 8% in 1999, and reached 10% by 2000, showing the most significant percentage growth among all age groups.
In contrast to the growing trends, the 16-30 and 31-50 age groups experienced declines in internet usage percentages. The 16-30-year-olds, while consistently maintaining the highest usage rates, saw a significant drop from 53% in 1998 to 45% in 1999, before slightly decreasing further to 44% in 2000. Meanwhile, the 31-50 age group showed a more gradual decline, starting at 41% in 1998, dropping to 39% in 1999, and further decreasing to 37% by 2000. Despite the downward trend, these two groups continued to represent the majority of internet users in Taiwan throughout the period, with their combined usage rates remaining above 80% each year.