Americans Losing Faith In Technology, But Can’t Break The Addiction

Americans have a very conflicted relationship with technology. According to a new Harris Interactive poll, 71% of Americans believe that technology has improved their overall quality of life, with 65% believing that technology helps them be more creative. That’s good, right?

Well, it would be, except these numbers are down from last year. In fact, by every measure Harris Interactive polled, satisfaction with technology is fading.

Losing Our (Technology) Religion

Harris Interactive first launched this survey in June 2012, tracking Americans’ love affair with tech. It was a buoyant time for technology, with 78% declaring that technology improved their overall quality of life. When pushed, a majority declared tech improved their social lives and many felt it also improved work and home.

In just one year, that 78% has dropped to 71%. While still a majority, it suggests a negative trend, particularly when more people also describe technology as “too distracting” (from 65% in 2012 to 69% in 2013), fewer suggest technology “enhances their social lives” (from 56% to 52%) and fewer still cite technology as an “escape from their busy lives” (from 53% to 47%).