View Full Version : Do you know anyone who doesn't use the internet at all?
Do you know anyone who doesn't use the internet? Besides the obvious elderly folks, I mean.
These days you pretty much need it for everything. Even for the most basic jobs, it's becoming a requirement to apply online. My local family-run grocery store even requests now that people apply online (per a sign on the store entrance).
I am sure that it is mostly because of my work, but I know hundreds. More.
I and my fellow old babes are very elderly. At 66, I and another woman are the youngest of the group, computer and Internet users all.
My experience, personal and work-related, is that not using the Internet is more a factor of having less disposable income/resources than those who do use it.
I'm 66 and I don't know anyone who doesn't use the internet. My friend's mother is 90 and uses the internet. She is my role model; if you met her, you'd think she wasn't a day over 75.
SteveinMN
10-6-13, 10:50pm
Kind of depends on what one means by "elderly" -- I know a couple of people barely into their 60s who do nothing with the Internet.
Then there's the matter of physical/mental infirmity. I know a couple of people who find adaptive equipment cumbersome to use for the Web. Unfortunately the drive to make Web sites look impressive and lock in users wreaks havoc with the original intent of HyperText Transfer Protocol and hampers usability for marginal users.
goldensmom
10-7-13, 6:27am
I know a lot of people who do not use the internet at all. The Amish and Mennonite businesses around here still use catalogs and telephones for ordering products. Computers are not allowed in the Amish community around here but I saw an Amish person at the library using a computer and some have smart phones so I guess where there is a will there is a way. I also know non-Amish who do not have/use the internet as they do not need it nor have an interest.
fidgiegirl
10-7-13, 7:36am
My Grandma is the only one I know. It's funny you brought it up; I was at dinner with some girlfriends the other night and one was irritated that her own Grandma refuses to get Internet. I had never even had the thought that mine would ever find it a possibility. That's more a function of who my Gma is as a person, though, than her age as I know other people her age who use it. Come to think of it my MiL does not use it, either, though she benefits from her DH using it to find deals and buy things and such. But she doesn't touch the computer herself, not since she retired.
Maxamillion
10-7-13, 9:26am
My birth mother doesn't use the internet...I don't think she's ever gone online at all. I've been plugged in since 1997, don't know what I'd do without it.
The only person I know is my 84 year old father. When my mother was still alive she was an enthusiastic user of it but Dad never had any interest. And my dad's older brother is an avid user of it. I get emails from him all the time. Those are the only really old people in my life at this time. In my age (45), city (san francisco) and socio-economic group (office worker) I'm not likely to meet anyone who doesn't use it.
My mother-in-law refuses to use the internet but then again she has never been one to try something new. It is ironic because her husband is the exact opposite and uses many forms of technology. Even has the latest smart phone. They are both 80.
ToomuchStuff
10-7-13, 11:08am
Yes. At least a couple who couldn't use a computer, either and are not good with cell phones. (and are not elderly)
My mother. AND she's quite indignant about the whole thing, (eye roll). She has always refused our offers to get her one up and going, and help her learn to use it. NOW, if something happens in the family, when she hears about it she can use the tired line, "Welll-l-l-ll I'm the last to know anything---I don't Facebook!!"
She says this even if she's the FIRST to learn of something. I've tested this.
Do you know anyone who doesn't use the internet? Besides the obvious elderly folks, I mean.
Tradd, do you find it obvious that the elderly don't use the Internet? Or do you mean that people who are obviously old (as opposed to those who may be old but appear young, fit, healthy) don't use the Internet?
In either case, no I don't know anyone aged 65 or older who does not use the Internet. Do you?
I'm closing-in-on-70 this month, and I use the email/facebook/internet a lot. But there's a whole lot of stuff I don't understand about it, so I don't get involved with "the cloud" and all that stuff I don't use (or want to). (DH is quite proficient so I can ask him if I need to know something.) My older sister is 79 and doesn't use it much, but she knows how, and my other sister is 75 and wouldn't touch it; but then, she doesn't have one, either. I know some women in our church in their 80s who use email and facebook, but don't do anything else, and I also know many who don't. It's possible I know some people who don't have a computer for financial reasons, but I'm not aware of that.
Our library, like many others, has instruction and the opportunity for free access and this has increased many people's use of the internet at minimal cost.
My neighbours in their 80's do not have access to the internet and no interest in doing so but they do have all the latest gadgets going.
Tradd, do you find it obvious that the elderly don't use the Internet? Or do you mean that people who are obviously old (as opposed to those who may be old but appear young, fit, healthy) don't use the Internet?
In either case, no I don't know anyone aged 65 or older who does not use the Internet. Do you?
I'm more surprised if elderly folks, and I mean actually elderly folks, say 75+, actually use the internet. There are a number of older couples at my church who don't (ages 75+). They don't have a computer, either. It's by choice, since finances are not an issue. The simply have no interest. If something happens (a death, for example) in the congregation, then someone calls them, since they wouldn't get the email notice from our pastor. There's another local fellow who has been his parish's choir director for at least 50 years (he's at least 75). He has a computer, uses music setting software, he just has no interest in the internet. I'm told his snail mail correspondence is extensive.
Tussiemussies
10-7-13, 8:21pm
My husband's good friend does not use the Internet and he is sixty now. He is very slow to change anything in his life..
On the other hand I have a cheap cell phone that I hardly ever use and the few times that I do use it, DH has to show me how to use it since it has been so long...
My mother, in her late 70's, doesn't do the internet. Shortly after the world wide web became available, I bought her a computer and an AOL subscription so that she might enjoy the wonders of technology. She decided it took up too much room in her house and gave it to my niece.
My younger brother, age 50, also doesn't do the internet or own any computing devices. He's just not interested.
Numerous members of my church,however,they are seniors. My late husband had absolutely no interest in it,he passed 7 years ago at 69 and like seeveral posters have mentioned he did benefit from my use.
Do you know anyone who doesn't use the internet? Besides the obvious elderly folks, I mean.
These days you pretty much need it for everything. Even for the most basic jobs, it's becoming a requirement to apply online. My local family-run grocery store even requests now that people apply online (per a sign on the store entrance). I always think that I will be more inclined to get a computer, have internet access at home, and go online much more than I do now - which is very rarely (just have a 7 inch tablet and use free wi fi when I travel)- once I'm older/elderly. I think with more free time and less physical activities - and probably less social activities - it would be something more elderly would want to do. The only person I know who never went online was my 70ish Mom. She just wasn't interested and had a full active life so never felt she was missing anything.
My 86 year old Dad. Lucky for him, my 86 year old Mom is quite online capable, and periodically hands him her iPad to watch something. I also have two friends, a couple in their mid-50's, who are über Luddites. And rather smug about it all too... They both eschew the online world.
Here he & I are, circa 1973. Pretty darn sweet! Mom just sent me this pic... I was 18, and a college freshman.
1318
Redfox, charming photo! :)
I am sure that it is mostly because of my work, but I know hundreds. More.
I and my fellow old babes are very elderly. At 66, I and another woman are the youngest of the group, computer and Internet users all.
My experience, personal and work-related, is that not using the Internet is more a factor of having less disposable income/resources than those who do use it.
Money does make a difference. I know people who can't afford to buy a computer, and if they did get one would struggle to pay for an ISP. The library offers internet an hour at a time, but if you're unfamiliar with it it's a whole lot easier in your own home with someone helping you.
Then there's the reading factor. There's a guy in my church, 50-ish, who reads at the 3rd grade level. So much of navigating the web requires reading that he doesn't even bother. OTOH, my late husband didn't read much higher than that and he enjoyed playing bridge online at pogo.com. He needed a lot of help from me though, to get registered, learn how to find his game, and sometimes to read the other players' messages.
The internet is my natural habitat, but I do understand people that prefer solid land.
Reader99, our library offers two-hour sessions per day, as well as computer instruction. Our local WDC has lessons as well. I encourage my clients to take advantage of both, and I offer computer use help, especially as regards to job searching and on-line applications.
I had not thought about the reading issue, but it is an occasional circumstance for some of the people with whom I work.
Because I have unlimited Internet access in my 'bat cave' there, and two laptops, I can give instruction and help to three people at a time, without strict time limits, although an hour is often as much as most people can handle at a time when first learning this stuff.
My mother. AND she's quite indignant about the whole thing, (eye roll). She has always refused our offers to get her one up and going, and help her learn to use it. NOW, if something happens in the family, when she hears about it she can use the tired line, "Welll-l-l-ll I'm the last to know anything---I don't Facebook!!"
She says this even if she's the FIRST to learn of something. I've tested this.
You gotta love the scientific method! :D
I know at least five people, all in their 60's. They just don't see a need for it in their lives. I confess there may come a time when I don't either.
My 90 yo grandmother doesn't see well and has trouble trusting even the microwave so no, I don't think she uses the internet. Everyone I know in their 60s does though-but some of them come begging DH for help when the computer breaks. The neighbor across the street required Neighbor Tech Services just this evening....
I have a couple of country friends who live off the grid and don't have internet or TV in their home. One has no computer skills at all and has lost his right index finger in a farming accident as a further hindrance. His wife uses the internet in town or at friends' houses, so I guess they get by. I recently asked him about the ACA and he knew practically nothing about it even though they are uninsured.
My library also allows 2 hours per day - plus they have another large computer room for pay ($5/hour) if you need additional time. They also have someone who will help and give instructions. In addition they will loan out a Chrome book for one week free. You can take it with you to use at free Wi-Fi spots outside the library. Since I don't have a computer (laptop died long ago) I generally use the libraries rather than my crappy tablet I use when travelling - what I'm using now. But I go long periods of time without being online at all and it doesn't take away from my enjoyment at all - sometimes (lots of times) being internet less enhances my life.
My ex didn't care for it. Me - I can spend hours on it. He used to say to me when we were married that he preferred living in the real world. To each their own.... ;)
Just one person, and I only met her yesterday! A lady on her late 60s or early 70s in my Spanish conversation class. She does use a Kindle though. (I hope I'm still taking language classes when I'm her age!!)
As someone who just got back from shopping "in the real world" all i have to say is that there are times when the "real world" is highly overrated. I much prefer shopping on the internet.
As someone who just got back from shopping "in the real world" all i have to say is that there are times when the "real world" is highly overrated. I much prefer shopping on the internet.
Gosh, that's funny, because I had the opposite experience today. Went to Sears to get a gift card and stumbled on a sale of women's clothing. Got a cardigan, a pair of shorts, and a blouse for $3 each. I'd pay that much just for the shipping charges for internet shopping.
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