Half of Americans Barely Use New Technology
Very interesting news from The Economist’s Luddites in Cyberspace:
49% of Americans are considered Luddites or Laggards
ie. people who are slow or reluctant to embrace new technology. This is from a comprehensive study from Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Only 8% of consumers are considered early-adopters
ie. people who embrace technology quickly. This is huge news for technology marketers, because most of us like to be on the leading edge of things, but when the leading edge is only 8%, it probably isn’t the best thing for our products. Yes, there is a trickle-down effect, but, I think no one suspected the number of Luddites and Laggards to be so high. For example, how many people do you think have ever listened to a podcast?
13%
according to Podcasting News. So, as technology marketers, we have to remember to stop Marketing to ourselves, and start thinking more about our audience.
I was talking to my friend tonight about making four-figure retail purchases today and both of us just can’t do it. Economic theory says that as you make more money, you will get less out of spending it. So, the idea is that when you are a broke student, the $29 shirt is a luxury but when you make more, you need to spend more to get that same amount of joy. The next thing you know, says the theory, you are making 4-figure purchases. 