The table and bar chart present information about Internet use in Australia in 2008. The table outlines the main purposes for which Australians used the Internet, while the bar chart illustrates the proportion of people in different age groups who accessed the Internet.
Overall, Internet usage was extremely widespread among Australians, particularly among younger age groups. Paying bills, online banking and purchasing goods and services were the most common reasons for using the Internet, whereas blogging and making phone calls were relatively unpopular. In addition, Internet use declined steadily with age.
According to the table, the most prevalent online activity was paying bills, reported by 63% of Australians, closely followed by online banking at 62%. Ordering goods and services was also common, accounting for 57% of users. In contrast, far fewer people used the Internet for communication-based activities, with only 22% making phone calls online and just 10% engaging in blogging.
Turning to the bar chart, Internet access was almost universal among people aged between 14 and 49, with usage rates ranging from 96% to 100%. The highest proportion was recorded among 14-17-year-olds, at a full 100%. Although usage remained high among those aged 50-64 (91%), it dropped markedly among seniors aged 65 and over, at only 58%. Overall, 89% of Australians aged over 14 used the Internet.
Band ?