by Dale Dolmo

Created on: December 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 08, 2012

The Internet has transformed the way people everywhere communicate, shop, learn, and entertain themselves. Nevertheless, not everyone has converted to the "new religion." Individual reasons for staying off of the 'net may vary, but a few factors seem to be the most common roadblocks.

Cost
Even with cheap, slow, dial-up internet service, some people are kept off the internet by cost. Many people forget that there are millions of people around the world who struggle to afford basic necessities. For them, a computer and internet connection are luxuries far out of reach. Even for those referred to as "working class," or "the working poor," although their daily lives may not be quite as much of a struggle to survive, technology may be an expense they simply can't afford. Although some consider the Internet a vital communication link or business tool, for others, it's mainly a source of entertainment. If they believe this entertainment can be replaced more cheaply, or done without completely, they may decide to save their money and check out a book or movie from the library instead.

Intimidated by Technology
Some of the people who aren't active on the internet are people who avoid computers in general, because they are technology-phobic. There's an assumption that only older people are uncomfortable with technology. While it's true that young people have grown up with the Internet and computers, and are therefore more comfortable with them, there's no age limit on having a fear of technology. Many people simply feel that they are not good with machines of any kind, including computers.

Fear of Victimization
News stories of Internet scams, identity theft, and destructive computer viruses and worms can make the Worldwide Web sound more threatening than inviting. Fears of becoming a victim of one or more of these attacks can be another reason for people to stay away from the Internet.

Avoiding Exposure to Things They Don't Like
The Internet offers many wonderful things - and many not-so-wonderful things. The place where you can find great shopping deals, cute pictures of kittens, and details of your family history is also the place where you can find MOUNTAINS of pornography, flashing banner ads, and trolls posting heinous, inflammatory comments on discussion boards. Some of these things, like the porn, are quite easy to avoid, just by not visiting those sites. Some of the other less-desirable aspects of the Web are harder to miss. People who've had a taste of this unattractive side of the Internet may just decide that the easiest way to block the sleaze, ignorance, and commercialism is to stay off the Web altogether. Of course, that means they're missing out on all the good things the Internet has to offer, but for some people, it may be worth it.

Other Priorities
Some people don't get on the Internet for the simplest reason of all: they have other things to do. If you've got a job that's important to you, a family you cherish, a house to maintain, a charity to support, a garden to care for, and pets to play with, maybe you don't need to squeeze anything else into your day. It's true that there are many wonderful things in the virtual world of the Internet. Some people, however, still find that those wonders pale in comparison to people, places, and experiences that the real world offers.

We Internet-lovers may find it hard to fathom, but millions of people around the world live their daily lives without ever accessing the Internet. They may have any number of reasons for avoiding it, and they may be missing out on many things, but they do remind us of one thing: if we had to, we COULD live without it!

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