Posted on 01/24/2007 9:16:14 AM PST by stainlessbanner
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 65 percent of consumers are spending more time with a computer than with their significant other, according to new independent research commissioned by support.com.
Conducted by independent research firm Kelton Research, the "Cyber Stress" study confirmed consumers' growing relationship with technology in their everyday lives. In fact, more than 8 out of 10 Americans (84%) say they are more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago(1).
Like any relationship, the test comes not when things are going well but when times are tough. And unfortunately in the case of their computers, things aren't going so well for Americans(2).
"We empathize with consumers about the emotional nature of dealing with computer problems. As the leader in computer problem resolution for nearly 10 years, we have a distinct advantage in helping consumers quickly and conveniently solve their frustrating computer problems," said Josh Pickus, CEO of SupportSoft. "For these reasons, we will be launching support.com, a service that speaks to consumers without talking down to them and uses proven, patented technology to resolve their frustrating computer problems - guaranteed(3)."-- The average consumer has experienced computer troubles eight times - about every four months - over the last three years.
-- The average American is wasting 12 hours per month - the equivalent of half a weekend - due to problems with their home computer.
-- A majority of Americans (52%) describe their most recent experience with a computer problem as one of anger, sadness or alienation.
Considering the large role computers play in people's lives today, experts agree that computer problems can sometimes cause significant emotional distress, similar to what happens when a problem occurs between spouses.
"Ascomputers become increasingly pervasive in our lives, our relationships with them can begin to seem almost as important as a relationship with a significant other. When problems then occur with the computer, it often leaves people feeling frustrated or helpless," says Dr. Robi Ludwig, renowned psychotherapist and host of TLC's reality series "One Week to Save a Marriage." "On my show, I teach couples that they don't have to be an expert in resolving tough marital problems, they simply have to know whom to turn to for support. With the introduction of support.com, consumers can have a trusted advisor to turn to for technology relief when they experience frustrating technology problems."
SupportSoft's "Cyber Stress" study was conducted between December 2006 and January 2007 and involved 1001 nationally representative Americans age 18 and older with PCs and broadband Internet access. The survey results indicate a margin of error of +/- 3.1% at a 95% confidence level.
I'm not dependent on my computer...
WOOHOO!!! 100,000 posts at FR!!! Kneel before me, noobz!
This is not new; its always been such with TV.
Well, let's see. I spend 8+ hours a day at work, on the computer there. I spend maybe an hour, hour and a half w/ the hubby before he has to do his schoolwork. Then we sleep next to each other at night, of course.. We don't spend that much time together awake, I guess!
Feh - they can always post to FR. After six people tell them they need a Mac, eight tell them they need to be on Linux, and four ask them if they're logged in, the problem generally gets solved.
By a moose. Cheese?
Mybelovedwife@myhome.com
problem solved.
Maybe someday a drug will be invented to help with computer withdrawal problems....
That's because he works second shift, gets home at 3 AM, gets up at 1 PM and leaves for work at around 2:30 PM. Hmmm...the computer keeps me company, as there are no kids, just four canines. I think 65% is low.
Isn't that why IM was invented?
Please tell me you're joking. I've been on FR about 18 months longer than you have and I only have about 4300 posts.
Naw, just tax it!
Should show this to my wife.. it doesn't take 4 friggin hours to update the family budget...
Well it's not my fault we didn't spend any time together...last time I logged off of FR, she wasn't there.
100,000 posts since 2004 ... you really need to get out more
It's called LIFE! Now, where to find it. I'll just look online!
What would the numbers be for XBOX, PS, WII?
I need to pick up the pace.
You've posted a total of 146 threads and 17,507 replies.
Ah, but that doesn't count freepmails, which are probably triple the number of posts! WOOT!
what's a spouse?
My spouse and I can't keep our hands off one another, so no problems here.
You've posted a total of 8 threads and 24,623 replies, most of which were snarky pictures, the occasional bit of cheesecake, and a few Helen Thomases.
I just checked with my wife Sally and she said I spend AT LEAST that just on FR. I find it hard to believe.
Wait a sec...did I say Sally?
It's Ann. That's it ...Ann.
I knew that.
What's your take on this?
Does posting to each other count?
So, what does your wife have to say about that, Sparky? ;-)
That is the first time in over a month that I have seen the contraction of "you are" used correctly instead of the word "your."
Thank you.
:-)
You're welcome. Although, part of the problem is that spell checkers won't flag the correct spelling of the wrong word.
You forgot: dump Norton.
Their you go! Won of my pet peaves too!
Happily, I'm divorced and don't have to give up any necessary keyboard time for things like human relations. Everybody is better off this way. Believe me. LOL
Although you should be shot for the HT pics! Seriesly!
Alas!
Spell-checkers don't come into play for hand painted signs at nationally televised football games proclaiming "Your dead!" or printed reminders from companies that "Your overdue for an oil change" or a sign that says "your next in line" at a department store.
Even a TV show had a note pictured from a kidnapper that said "Your dead" written on it.
I got work to do:
Hmmmm, where's todays FR Canteen thread . . .
LOL! That's just what the replies would be!
Carolyn
No wonder the divorce rate keeps soaring.
Dude--not only am I joking, I haven't the foggiest idea how to check how many posts I have. I'd be surprised if I had 1K posts, not 100K.
100K means I have NO LIFE.
You can check y'know—on your own profile page.
I did. 600 posts.
Like my mother said, "If I've told you once, I've told you a BILLION times, don't exaggerate!"
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