I agree that the empowerment divide is a notable factor. Just read this in an article: "The PewInternet and American Life Project (Lenhart, 2000) reported that among the half of the U.S. population lacking Internet access, a solid majority lacked even a firm interest in doing so. Also notable was the so-called gray gap, which showed the likelihood of Internet holdout statuswas greatest among those over the age of 65. Among the foremost reasons for ambivalence were concerns about privacy, irrelevance, cost, and perceptions of the steep learning curve required to use computers and the Internet."