|
65 Percent of Americans Spend
More Time with Their Computer than Their Spouse
- 8 in 10 Americans
More Dependent on their Computer than 3 Years Ago -
REDWOOD
CITY, Calif. -- 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).
-- 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.
"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)."
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.
"As computers 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.
About SupportSoft
SupportSoft (NASDAQ:SPRT)
is a leading provider of software and services
that automate the resolution of technology problems. The Company's
solutions reduce technology support costs, improve customer satisfaction
and enable new revenue streams for enterprises and digital service
providers that support 50 million users worldwide. For more information
about the Company and its corporate offerings, visit supportsoft.com.
Source:
SupportSoft
|
