A July 2010 technology online study conducted by Harris Interactive (NASDAQ: HPOL) and sponsored by Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC), reveals that eight out of 10 (80%) U.S. adults get frustrated waiting for technology, and over half (51%) have done something out of character when frustrated while waiting for technology. Intel calls this the “Hourglass Syndrome.”
Intel says that of those who suffer from the hourglass syndrome:
- 69% admitted acting inappropriately while waiting.
- 62% of U.S. adults admit to yelling or cursing out loud when their technology can’t keep up with them.
- 29% hit their computer mouse.
- 24% bang on their computer screen and keyboard, hopefully not to the extent as the guy in the video.
The integral role technology plays in everyday life causes the hourglass syndrome phenomenon says the chipmaker. Intel marketing experts say the “malady” has developed with the modern pace of life. In an environment where mobile devices are constantly on to answer emails within minutes of receiving them, people feel anger and frustration when outdated technology fails to keep up with the speed of life.
Margaret (Margie) Morris, a clinical psychologist and health technology researcher at Intel, states in the Intel press release;”We are closely connected with our devices … They become extensions of ourselves and become critically involved in our relationships with others, how we express ourselves, and our efforts to manage stress. We enjoy the freedom to communicate and work from anywhere, so we rely on the technology to work. When it lets us down, the disappointment runs high and sometimes spills over into our feelings about ourselves.”
Of those who have acted or seen someone act inappropriately in public due to frustrations with technology:
- 70% saw strangers.
- 46% have seen family or friends.
- 33% have seen co-workers act out in frustration while waiting for technology.
According to the online survey taken between July 27-29, 2010 sluggish technology often causes people to miss out on something while they are waiting. 35% of U.S. adults said that they missed out on something while waiting for technology, such as losing an opportunity to take part in an online sale (13%) or buy airline, concert, or sporting event tickets. “Intel understands how stressful technology can be,” said Karen Regis, Director of Intel’s Consumer PC Marketing in the press release. “We are determined to design products that can improve the quality of your life and lower your stress levels, as opposed to increasing them.”
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Kudos to Intel for the imaginative use of pseudo-science to wrap a marketing message for Intel Turbo Boost Technology in a factoid. GigaOm points out that Intel, “helpfully notes that Hourglass Syndrome “is not a real syndrome or medical condition.”
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.