Report: Nearly half of gadget owners need help
A new survey of American consumers found nearly half (48 percent) said they need assistance when it comes to their tech, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
A new survey of American consumers found nearly half (48 percent) said they need assistance when it comes to their tech, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
In a newly published study entitled "When Technology Fails," by John Horrigan and Sydney Jones (download the PDF), nearly half of those surveyed said they need help with their consumer electronics, such as cell phones, computers and televisions.
What’s more, the study found many also experience tech outages when there is a glitch with their home internet connection, computer or cell phone. "Coping with these failures is a hassle for many tech users and helps to distance them from technology use" and "often leads to impatience and frustration as they try to get them fixed" it says.
Other interesting stats:
* 44 percent of those with home Internet access say their connection failed to work properly at some time in the previous 12 months.
* 39 percent of those with desktop or laptop computers have had their machines not work properly at some time in the previous 12 months.
* 29 percent of cell phone users say their device failed to work properly at some time in the previous year.
* 38 percent of users with failed technology contacted user support for help.
* 28 percent of technology users fixed the problem themselves.
* 15 percent fixed the problem with help from friends or family.
* 15 percent of tech users were unable to fix their devices.
* 2 percent found help online.
I understand many of the difficulties people have when transitioning from one electronic device to another. Especially when the upgrade is more complicated to use. I recently switched from a Blackberry to the new Google phone, and I am having trouble adapting.
Wow this is so true!!
the other 2% simply gave up!!!!
I know more than 2% just gave up, that would probably be more like 30% simply gave up. Half my family will call me, ask for help, when I can't help them over the phone (too difficult to walk them thru) they just say "Oh Well, maybe next time you are around" and throw it in the corner.