Multi-level latent class analysis of internet use pattern in Taiwan

Abstract

This study reports the Taiwan Government survey results of the Internet use pattern by Multi-level Latent Class Analysis (MLCA). Based on the stratified random sampling with total sample size of 16,133, this study discovers the use pattern of Internet consists of seven segments: knowledgeable segment, traditional use segment, amusement segment, entertainment & online shopping segment, leisure & aloof segment, business segment, Interactive segment. At a higher level, the entire Taiwan is divided into three segments: Southern Taiwan, Northern Taiwan, and metropolitan. Besides, the Internet use behaviors of instant messenger, email, or IP-phone are uncorrelated. This study enriches findings of this research to provide researchers and practitioners a good guideline for its economic development policy setting. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.