Table 4.
Computer, internet, and email use.
| Computer, internet, and email use | n (%) | |
| Ever used a computera | 193 (64.8) | |
| Currently use a computer | 113 (37.9) | |
| Ever used internet | 164 (55.0) | |
| Used internet, last 30 days | 117 (39.3) | |
| Venues where internet was usedb | ||
|
|
Public or university library | 59 (19.8) |
|
|
On mobile phone | 51 (17.1) |
|
|
Drop-in center or homeless shelter | 27 (9.1) |
|
|
Friend or relative’s house | 21 (7.0) |
|
|
Internet café, coffee shop, or restaurant | 11 (3.4) |
|
|
Social service agency | 8 (2.7) |
|
|
Motel or hotel lobby | 3 (1.0) |
|
|
Church | 1 (0.3) |
|
|
Workplace | 2 (0.7) |
|
|
Other venue | 26 (8.7) |
| Purpose of using the internet | ||
|
|
Read or send email | 74 (24.8) |
|
|
Get news online | 66 (22.1) |
|
|
Watch a video, download a music file, or play a game | 61 (20.5) |
|
|
Browse the internet for fun | 56 (18.8) |
|
|
Search for a fact or to answer a question | 50 (16.8) |
|
|
Look for information about a shelter or place to live | 50 (16.8) |
|
|
Look for information about a hobby or interest | 46 (15.4) |
|
|
Look for health or medical information | 45 (15.1) |
|
|
Look for information about a job | 43 (14.4) |
|
|
Check social networking sites (eg, Facebook or Twitter) | 43 (14.4) |
|
|
Do research for school or training, or obtain education | 25 (8.4) |
|
|
Send instant messages | 18 (6.0) |
|
|
Refill a prescription | 16 (5.4) |
|
|
Look for a (sex) partner | 4 (1.3) |
|
|
Know what email is | 234 (78.5) |
|
|
Know how to use email | 144 (48.3) |
|
|
Have an email account | 105 (35.2) |
| Uses of emailc | ||
|
|
Stay in touch with family or friends | 67 (22.5) |
|
|
Job searches | 46 (15.4) |
|
|
Housing searches | 40 (13.4) |
|
|
Stay in touch with health care providers | 21 (7.0) |
|
|
Stay in touch with case manager or social workers | 16 (5.4) |
|
|
Other | 21 (7.0) |
aTwo participants are not included in the computer and internet use section because they did not report whether they had ever used a computer, N=298
bThe denominator for internet venues and uses is 117.
cThe denominator for email variables ranges from 296.3 to 300.