Abstract:

Internet penetration rates continue to grow. As of this year, Internet penetration for the United States stands at 87% of the population, while in Ireland the rates has risen 82% (worldBank, 2016). In addition to growing Internet penetration rates, the variety of purpose for which citizens use the Internet is increasing. This is particularly evident in the area of health. For example, a growing number of Internet users utilize the Internet as a source of health information. This growing trend is evidenced by recent (2011) Pew Research Centre findings that reveal 80% of all Internet users have searched for health information online. Interestingly, that figure encompasses a board age demographic ranging from 59% of all adult Internet users 94% of teenagers. The results also reflect a broadening of technical access platforms, with 78% of such searches being performed on wireless, mobile devices (Pew Rsearch Centre 2010; 2012; 2013; 2014).