US's Slow Embrace of Information Technology

mattnyc99 writes "To motivate his new column, Popular Mechanics' Glenn Derene takes research data from a discussion here of his last column. He analyzes a new study released this week — revealing that fully 49 percent of Americans 'only occasionally use modern gadgetry' — to compare the rise of the PC with that of the TV and ask a big question: What keeps the most important and powerful communication tool since the telephone from being universally embraced?"

Comments

Blindingly obvious

[fatduck]

Are we really comparing the rate of TV adoption to computer adoption? When is the last time you had to do more than press the ON button to operate your television? There's no learning curve, and no risk. People are afraid of computers, and as usual are unwilling to overcome even the most modest of barriers to learn a new skill.

Re:Blindingly obvious

[gEvil (beta)]

And that's exactly the conclusion he comes to at the end of the column...

Re:Blindingly obvious

[fatduck]

So if this Harvard professor had submitted his question to Ask Slashdot, he would have saved himself a lot of research.

Because people don't need them.

[arthurpaliden]

A computer is just a tool like a chain saw or a sewing machine. If I need the tool I will get it and use it. If I don't need it, and for day to day living it is really not required, I will not get it. Unless I am a normal guy then I will buy one a put it on the shelf next to the combo-wrench-screwdriver-hammer I bought last week.

Re:Blame the phone companies

[anjin-san 3]

You're blaming Microsoft for the slow adoption of computers inside the U.S.? What operating system do you think they use outside of America?

Re:Because were are not all the same.

[benj_e]

Variety is indeed the spice of life, and simply living with people that you adapt your values to in exchange for feeling a sense of belonging is a false one.

You don't think this is a problem on the 'net? There are thousands of little groups that hang out with each other, online, because they re-enforce each other's beliefs. Look at profiles on MySpace or other sites and see how many people are looking for a "safe" place to talk about things. I see that as code for "think like I do".

All that the Internet has enabled is that people can now hang out with other people just like them - Regardless of Geography.