There are, of course, only 24 hours in a day, so the growing popularity of the Internet has naturally affected the amount of time people spend reading, watching TV, and in contact with other media. Indeed, almost half the respondents to a survey reported that they are spending less time in front of the television set now that they are logging on to the Internet.
Due to expanding use of the Internet, next-generation “information homes,” in which info-communications infrastructure has an important place, have begun to be built. There are now even condominiums advertised specifically as being “Internet-connectable.” Furthermore, home appliance manufacturers are working on a concept leading to network- able appliances, including such white goods as refrigerators and microwave ovens.
The Internet may be one way for the elderly, whose chances for social activity tend to be limited, to participate more meaningfully in society if they wish to do so—for example, by sharing their years of wisdom and experience with younger generations and, more generally, providing them with an additional activity. Seniors tended to become interested in the Internet on their own rather than as a result of suggestions from others. For example, the most common response to a question on the initial impetus for using the Internet was “read about it in a newspaper or magazine” (57.2%), significantly higher than “recommended by family member, acquaintance, or colleague” (32.9%), and “needed to use it at work” (25.9%).......
