A new poll by Siena College has found that most New Yorkers think that technology has made life better, but admit that devices that provide constant information updates also add to their anxiety levels.
According to the poll, 72 percent think technology has benefited them in some way, with 12 percent saying that they have made life worse. Around 92 percent claimed they regularly use a cell phone and 86 percent say they used some type of computer. Over 90 percent said that a combination of technology and the Internet has changed the way people live their lives by making more information available in a timely fashion.
While most thought having access to information was a great thing, nearly two-thirds of respondents said the new devices cause them increased levels of stress. Around 79 percent said that they were concerned about their children using electronic devices such as computers, cell phones and video games too much. Other concerns voiced in the poll included people talking on cell phones or texting while driving, cyber-bullying, sexting, access to pornography and the use of the Internet for criminal activities.
"Seventy percent of those with cell phones use it every day and nearly half of users have a smartphone. Of those, forty-two percent admit that when they don’t have their smartphone with them they feel anxious, isolated and out of touch," noted Don Levy, director of the Siena Research Institute.
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