Business

Whether You're Sharing A Ride Or A Room, Age And Income Matter

Research shows young and wealthy Americans use sharing and on-demand services most.

Whether You're Sharing A Ride Or A Room, Age And Income Matter
Getty Images / Adam Berry
SMS

The sharing economy could cause a digital divide.

A Pew study found Americans' age and income impacts who uses sharing apps like Uber and Airbnb.

Young adults use ride-hailing and home-sharing apps more than the over-45 crowd.

And Americans with an annual income of at least $75,000 are more likely to use these services than lower-income individuals.

College graduates are also more likely to use sharing services than those with less schooling. 

The socioeconomic divide comes down to exposure, too. 

The majority of low-income Americans have just never heard of these services — no wonder they're not using them.