Society Too Dependent on Gadgets, But We Need It?

Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans think that today’s society is too dependent upon electronic gadgets, and 39 percent do not think technology (such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi networks and GPS) really makes people more productive, according to a recent Harris Poll from Harris Interactive.But respondents also think technology can help solve problems. You might think the survey results reflect a demographic divide between younger and older people. According to Harris Interactive, that is not true. There was no significant age divide among those who believe Americans are too reliant on technology or those who say technology increases productivity.

A full 58 percent of respondents 18 to 32 say mobile technology does not make Americans more productive while almost three-quarters (72 percent) of them believe that society is too dependent of electronics and electronic gadgets.

The Baby Boomer cohort (ages 45 to 63) is least likely to agree that society is too dependent on gadgets. Perhaps that is because a statistically higher percentage of them either work full time or are raising children.

Despite some skepticism about technology’s role in personal productivity, the survey did find that a majority of U.S. consumers believe that advanced technology will nonetheless play a key role in recovery from the economic recession and in driving continued prosperity in the future.

Almost three-quarters of Americans (73 percent) believe that investing in innovation and advanced technology sciences in education is the key to the country’s long term success.

Seven in ten Americans (71 percent) say not only an investment in hybrids and alternative fuels but a technological leadership role in these technologies could mean survival for the US auto industry.

Seven in ten adults (71 percent) believe that travel costs for businesses could be cut if technology such as video conferencing were better used.

Respondents also believe in technology to produce “green” products and services (67 percent) and to manage medical records and patient care (67 percent).

Some 28 percent of consumers strongly or very strongly like the idea of using GPS technology to balance and monitor traffic to determine the most effective routes in real time for an effective transportation system.

About 31 percent indicate they would be highly interested in purchasing mobile, wireless devices to monitor their car in real time, advising them of developing problems and even updating engine software to keep their car running at peak performance.

Another 26 percent of consumers very strongly or strongly like the idea of a 4G wireless network that could provide seamless voice, internet, and entertainment to their homes and mobile devices.

Some 27 percent of respondents very strongly or strongly like the idea of controlling home systems or appliances from a mobile device.

The Harris Poll of 2,355 U.S. adults was conducted online from March 9 to March 16, 2009 by Harris Interactive.
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