Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Half of Technology Users Need Help With New Devices

529114.gif

Many encounter problems with their internet connections, home computers or cell phones. As gadgets become more important to people, their patience wears thin when things break.

Although information technology is well integrated into the lives of many Americans, gadgets and communication services require, for some, a call for help. Some 48% of technology users usually need help from others to set up new devices or to show them how they function. Many tech users encounter problems with their cell phones, internet connections, and other gadgets. This, in turn, often leads to impatience and frustration as they try to get them fixed.

New research from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project shows that:

  • 44% of those with home internet access say their connection failed to work properly at some time in the previous 12 months.
  • 39% of those with desktop or laptop computers have had their machines not work properly at some time in the previous 12 months.
  • 29% of cell phone users say their device failed to work properly at some time in the previous year.

“Struggles with modern gadgetry mean less engagement with the services they enable,” said John B. Horrigan, Associate Director of the Pew Internet Project and co-author of the report. “Time spent dealing with set-up or outages means less time using modern communication services to connect with friends or find information that might help people be more productive.”

Although tech users can usually fix the problems by themselves, with the help of friends, or by calling upon user support, some say they cannot fix tech problems at all. Here are some of the ways device owners fixed their broken technology:

  • 38% of users with failed technology contacted user support for help.
  • 28% of technology users fixed the problem themselves.
  • 15% fixed the problem with help from friends or family.
  • 15% of tech users were unable to fix their devices
  • 2% found help online

“In an age in which new technologies are introduced almost daily, a new gadget or service can become popular well before the technology itself is understood by the average user,” said Sydney Jones, Research Assistant at the Pew Internet & American Life Project and co-author of the report. “Naturally, some users catch on to new technology more quickly than others, and those who have more trouble grasping the technology are left confused, discouraged, and reliant on help from others when their technology fails.”

Not only did users find different solutions to their device failures, they reported varying attitudes during the course of trying to solve the problem. Overall:

  • 72% felt confident that they were on the right track to solving the problem.
  • 59% felt impatient to solve the problem because they had important uses for the broken technology.
  • 48% felt discouraged with the amount of effort needed to fix the problem.
  • 40% felt confused by the information that they were getting.

Adults who are most likely to be impatient to fix their devices are those who had the most devices fail, those who use their devices most, and those who rely more heavily on their devices for work or information.

This report is based on a survey of 2,054 adults between October 24, 2007, and December 2, 2007. Some 734 respondents in the survey were technology users who had at least one device fail in the past

Full Report: http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Tech_Failure.pdf

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Nothing KEF Headphone 1 Lifestyle

New Products

Nothing challenges the Apple AirPod Max with the new Headphone 1 with Sound by KEF.

Cyrus Audio 40 PPA Phono Preamp Front Cyrus Audio 40 PPA Phono Preamp Front

New Products

At $2,899, Cyrus Audio makes a bold claim about its 40 PPA which supports MC and MM cartridges with balanced XLR outputs and upgraded...

iFi Go pod MAX wireless IEM Adapters iFi Go pod MAX wireless IEM Adapters

New Products

The iFi Go Pod Max turns wired IEMs wireless with Bluetooth 5.4, balanced amp, and high-res audio—elevating sound while exposing your IEMs’ true colors.

Dangbei MP1 Max 4K Projector Lifestyle Dangbei MP1 Max 4K Projector Lifestyle

New Products

At under $2,000, the Dangbei MP1 Max is a compact 4K lifestyle projector with Google TV, AI setup, and hybrid laser-LED tech for screens...

Yamaha YH-L500A Wireless Headphones Lifestyle Yamaha YH-L500A Wireless Headphones Lifestyle

New Products

With proprietary Sound Field technology, the Yamaha YH-L500A wireless headphones provide personalized cinematic audio for $229.

V-MODA M10 and M100 Pro DJ Headphones V-MODA M10 and M100 Pro DJ Headphones

New Products

Not all headphones are designed for all listening needs. The V-MODA M-100 PRO and M-10 are affordable headphones that provide the quality and durability...

Gift Ideas?

Father's Day Gift Guide 2024 Best Tech and HiFi Gifts

Gift Guides

Upgrade Dad's digital lifestyle with gifts he'll enjoy all year and beyond this Father's Day. New Hi-Fi, Headphones, Home Theater and more!

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers