It’s no longer about homeowners frustrated with simple things like stringing up lights during the holidays. Instead, problems with the latest technology devices are perplexing nearly half of consumers.
According to a Princeton study commissioned by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, nearly half of all consumers — 48 percent — need assistance with a new technological device, such as a cellular phone or the Internet. The study surveyed more than 2,000 individuals over the age of 18.
From the time we wake until we settle in for the night, we have our hands on technical devices. In the morning, we may start our day using an iPod while at the gym. Later, we use the Internet to check our e-mail from iPhones, BlackBerry smartphones, laptops or home computers. Throughout the day, we use some of these same devices while at work or at our home office, and then again at the end of the evening.
Although fixing these products was frustrating for 59 percent of those surveyed — and 48 percent felt discouraged, while 40 percent felt confused — a whopping 72 percent felt confident that they were on the right track when fixing whatever problem was upsetting them at the time, according to the report.
Mars vs Venus
While most of these devices are “wired” differently, the study also found differences in how males and females are wired.
While a high percentage of men (33 percent) were more likely to fix their gadgets themselves compared to women (22 percent), more women (18 percent) compared to men (12 percent) asked for help.
Seventy-six percent of male respondents were more likely to be confident about the problem, compared to 68 percent of women. Still, men were no less likely than women to report being confused, discouraged or impatient during the time…