WA households choose technology over conversation
12/11/2009
Many WA households have a growing obsession with technology and gadgetry, which could be affecting our relationships and friendships, according to new research from SGIO.
The survey of more than 500 Western Australians revealed that the average WA household has nine ‘screens’ – which includes TVs, computers, MP3 players or mobile phones.
The insurer also revealed:
- 81 per cent of WA households have one or more iPods (or another MP3 player);
- One TV is no longer enough – 82 per cent have two or more TVs;
- 78 per cent have two or more computers or laptops; and
Almost half (48 per cent) have three mobile phones or more.
SGIO spokesperson Rob Cory said our fascination with technology was changing our lifestyles.
“Most WA households have plenty of choices for home entertainment and our love of technology really doesn’t seem to have slowed too much because of the global financial crisis, Mr Cory said.”
The research also revealed that seven out of ten (71 per cent) survey respondents spend more than three hours a day using their technology when at home.
Mr Cory said the time we spend interacting with technology under our own roof represented a dramatic shift in how we spend our time at home, when compared to as little as a decade ago.
“We are seemingly leading busier lifestyles with less home time, but somehow in all of this, our technology obsession is continuing to grow,” he said.
Mr Cory said the downside to all this was that time spent on technology could be affecting our relationships with friends, family and our engagement with our community.
“In any one home in WA, different household members could be on different screens in different rooms for hours on end, but when do they find the time to talk with family, friends and neighbours?” he said.
“We encourage people to find balance in their lives. Technology is meant to be making our lives easier and more enjoyable, but finding time for traditional social interaction is also important.”
*Based on Pure Profile Research, October 2009.