Email by the Numbers: What Do Consumers Think?
Internet users prefer email over everything -- with the possible exception of brushing their teeth.
Internet users prefer email over everything -- with the possible exception of brushing their teeth.
Sometimes, the numbers speak for themselves. This week, I’ve got some very interesting findings on email usage and its role in our lives. America Online graciously supplied us with specific information from “The America Online/RoperASW Cyberstudy 2001.”
This year’s study presents compelling evidence that the Internet has become central to people’s lives and that email is rapidly approaching the telephone as the preferred way people stay in touch and communicate with each other at work and between friends and family.
The cyberstudy is the fourth in a series of reports examining the impact of online use on people’s everyday lives. It also explores the fundamental changes the Internet has had on society and the ways people expect the Internet to transform their lives in the future.
RoperASW conducted the phone survey with a sample of 1,001 adult home Internet/online subscribers between August and November last year.
Here are some samples of the research related to email usage, attitudes, and trends.
Question One
“If you had to be stranded alone on an island for an extended period of time, would you prefer to have a telephone, a television, or a computer connected to the Internet? Assume you could only have one.”
Question Two
“Please indicate whether you prefer electronic mail, the telephone, or regular postal mail?”
Question Three
“How many times a week do you do each of the following activities? Your best estimate is fine.”
Question Four
“For each of the following items, please indicate whether you prefer electronic mail, the telephone, or regular postal mail.”
Question Five
“In the future, what do you think will be considered the more important product of the 20th century: the computer, the television, or the telephone?”
Question Six
“Have you ever sent or received an email invitation to a social event with friends or family?”
Food for thought, isn’t it? Drop me an email with your thoughts about these findings. I always love to hear from you!
Best regards,
–Lynne