This was the dramatic headline in today’s Sunday Times (the �Doors� section, highly recommended), referring to studies which appear to indicate that internet usage in the U.K. is leveling off at around 60% of the population. Collette Bowe of the Ofcom Consumer Panel is quoted in the article, as are William Dutton of the OII and Sonia Livingstone of LSE. For Ms. Bowe�s recent interview with OfcomWatch, click here.

It is, of course, wrong to believe that 100% take-up of a certain new technology is (i) an unequivocal good and (ii) the responsibility of the government. Taking me as an example: I enjoy blogging and recently acquired a feature-laden mobile phone, but I don�t really like instant messaging, nor do I have digital television (yet) � mostly because Freeview stinks. Whatever � the point is that people need choices made available to them, but we shouldn�t panic when they don�t �take-up� what society thinks is good for them.

Which brings me back to the dramatic headline � 1 in 3 reject technology. Technology comes in a lot of flavours, some not so intuitive but still capable of improving people�s lives. We need to be careful that certain groups are not left behind as technology progresses, but at the same time we also need to question anyone who claims to dispense credentials for what does�and does not�qualify as �technology�.

Dutton is quoted as saying that the internet is an �experience technology�. Dutton questions whether internet refuseniks are making an informed choice, but the OII in many ways reminds me of the old phrase that, if the only tool you have is a hammer every problem resembles a nail. What other approach, other than enthusiastic support for internet take-up, could we expect from the OII and similar organisations?

So, do 1 in 3 really reject technology? I doubt it.