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