BuildersCloud_hero_multiple_devicesThe Internet is everywhere nowadays, from our homes to our phones and now even our glasses.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is using the web. In fact, the New York Times just came out with a report noting a somewhat surprising statistic: 20 percent of Americans still don’t use the Internet, even though 98 percent of us have access to it.

Based on my everyday life and environment — a 23-year-old city boy who writes about technology and uses it all the time — that number is tough to believe. I don’t even remember the last day I didn’t use the Internet in some way.

But I live in a highly-saturated technological area and am young — almost everyone in my age group (18-to-29) is online, according to a recent Pew Internet report. That report, which noted 85 percent of Americans using the Internet, also found that only 56 percent of those 65 years and older use the web. In terms of household income, just 76 percent of those making $30,000 or less accessed the Internet.

As Kotaku’s Jason Schreier points out, these statistics are relevant to Microsoft due to it’s recent Xbox One connection policy changes. The company ultimately reversed its always-on Internet requirements last month after a plethora of customer disapproval, but it certainly indicates a push toward an all-digital gaming world soon enough.

But beyond just gamers, is the fact that are 60 million disconnected Americans a problem? Should the government be doing more to make sure everyone knows how to use the Internet and has access? Or are there more important things to worry about?

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.