The gap stems from the fact that Arabs have less exposure to the Internet than Jews to the Internet at work.
As many as 20% more Jews than Arabs are exposed to the Internet despite use becoming increasingly widespread, according to a new survey. The rate of Internet use among the Jewish sector is now 72.5% compared with 52.5% in the Arab sector. The gap stems from the fact that Arabs have less exposure to the Internet than Jews at work. This means that nearly half the Arab population does not use the Internet.
The survey, which was compiled by Asmaa Ganayim, will be presented at a 2008 technology conference next week.
The difference in computer use and surfing habits between Jews and Arabs was also studied in a nationwide poll of 1,400 people conducted in July 2007 by Professor Gustavo Mesch of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Haifa. The study found a consistent gap in Internet access between Jews and Arabs across all age groups, especially in those aged 35 and upwards, although the gap among people with academic-level education was slightly lower.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 21, 2008
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