An overwhelming 65 per cent of Americans spend more time with a computer than with their spouse, according to a new public survey released on Tuesday.
Conducted by the research firm Kelton Research, the 'Cyber Stress' study confirmed consumers' growing relationship with technology in their everyday lives, with 8 out of 10 Americans (84 per cent) saying they were more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago.
The survey also revealed that the average consumer has experienced computer troubles eight times over the last three years, with the average American wasting 12 hours per month due to problems with their home computer. In addition, 52 per cent of Americans 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 said 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 occur with the computer, it often leaves people feeling frustrated or helpless," Dr Robi Ludwig, renowned psychotherapist, said.
"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 are not going so well for Americans," said the survey commissioned by support.com, a leading provider of software and services that automate the resolution of technology problems.
