THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC FACTORS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WEST SUMATRA SOCIETY IN ACCESSING THE INTERNET

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aims to analyze the effect of price, income, gender, age, education, type of work, employment sector, and residential area on the West Sumatra People’s opportunities in accessing the internet. This study also analyzed what media were  used to access the internet, range of accessibility to the internet and the purposes of accessing to the internet. The results of the study show that price, income, gender, age, education, type of work, employment sector, and residential area significantly influence the West Sumatra people’s opportunities in accessing to the internet. The media most widely used by the residents of West Sumatra in accessing the internet is handphone. The analysis also shows that the favorite place to access to the internet is their own home,  and the purpose of using the internet is mostly to gain information or news.