Public Policy Institute of California's "Californians and Information Technology" Survey

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The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) just released its findings for the second year of its ‘Californians and Information Technology Survey,’ funded in part by ZeroDivide.  The study is tracking the adoption of Internet technologies by Californians so that foundations like ZeroDivide and the California Emerging Technology Fund can better target their efforts.  The PPIC presented this year’s results Thursday, June 25th, in Sacramento.  

Although the survey found that broadband adoption among Californians increased seven points from last year (62% in 2009, 55% 2008) and overall Internet use rose six points (76% 2009, 70% 2008), a digital divide persists.  Only just over half of Latinos have home computers, while the proportions of whites, Asians, and blacks with home computers were significantly greater.  

“Californians perceive that the digital divide is an important and persistent societal trend,” PPIC president and CEO Mark Baldassare said. “And a majority are saying that the government has a role to play in addressing this challenge.”

There is no divide, however, amongst Californians when it comes to their views on the importance of access to technology and the Internet.  Strong majorities across demographic groups (72%) say that Internet access is very important, while 21% say that it is at least somewhat important.

Even though Californians’ adoption of Internet technology has increased over the past year, work remains to be done to bring California to the forefront of Internet accessibility.  Despite being one of the leaders in technological innovation, California continues to lag behind other economies in adoption rates, both globally and even at the state level.   Access to technology and reliable, high-speed Internet are crucial to keeping California economically competitive.