—NUTSHELL:
The Internet—that worldwide system of connected computers—is changing the way we live. The details are in the data.

—SNIPPET:
Internet use is increasing rapidly, a trend that shows no signs of diminishing. At home and on the job, we use the Internet to conduct many of our daily activities. 

According to the National Science Foundation, the amount of time the average person spent on the Internet increased from 15 hours per year in 1995 to 160 hours a year in 1999. The who, where, and why of Internet use reveal some interesting details.

This article examines data from a December 1998 supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS) to describe who uses the Internet, where they access it, and for what purpose. It also discusses implications for current and future workers and their jobs, including changes to training requirements for those about to enter the workforce.

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