New Guide Helps Older Americans "Get Cybersavvy"

Thursday, March 1, 2001

New Guide Helps Older Americans “Get Cybersavvy” @ (NAPSA)—Already, approximately 55 percent ofAmericansare online, and a growing numberof U.S. “netizens” are overthe age of 50. In fact, people over 50 are the fastest grow- ing segment ofAmerican consumers going online, according to the AARP. To help older people safely navigate the online terrain, the Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) has teamed up with the AARPto create Getting Cybersavvy: A New User’s Guide to Going Online. “We want to encourage potential users, many of whom are older consumers, to explore cyber- space’s many benefits in an enjoyable and secure way,” said Marsha Goldberger, director, ethics and consumeraffairs, The DMA. “Internet users, especially older Americans, need to know about their online rights and what to look for in terms of security and pri- vacy,” said Jane M. King, manager, consumer protection, AARP. “Cybersavvy gives them the tools they need to be smart online consumers.” Online Basics Use a credit card. By using Getting Cybersavvy, available in print or at www.cybersavvy.org, provides all of the basic informa- a credit card you have the same protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act as you do when shop- Internet, including tips on hooking up your computer connection for the first time, picking Internetservice providers, a glossary of cyber Look for privacy policies. You can enjoy significant convenience and cost-savings by sharing information with a company about your interests. However, the company should tell you how they use the information and,if infor- tion needed to start surfing the jargon and advice on surfing safely. Smart Surfing Getting Cybersavvy also pro- vides detailed information on how to be a smart shopper and maintain your privacy while on the Internet. Shop from companies you know. Shopping from the sites of favorite catalogs and retail stores is a good way to get started. You can find out more information about a company by checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or consumer protection agencies. Also, more than 300 listings of reputable catalog and online retailers are available on The DMA’s consumer Web site, www.shopthenet.org. ping in storesor from catalogs. mation is shared with third par- ties, respect your wish not to have it shared. Additional Web Resources Getting Cybersavvy includes links to more than two dozensites of interest to older consumers, including AARP (www.aarp.org) and various government and consumer informationsites. In addition to being accessible online, a copy of the 20-page booklet can be obtained by writing: The Direct Marketing Association, Attn: Getting CyberSavvy, 1111 19" Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.

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