Call it Geek Love gone wild.
According to the "Cyber Stress" study from Support.com, conducted by Kelton Research, 65% of US consumers over the age of 18 spend more time with their computers than with their significant others.
Americans' growing relationship with technology is taking up a greater part of their everyday lives.
In fact, more than eight out of 10 Americans (84%) say they are more dependent on their home computers now than they were just three years ago.
Like any relationship, however, problems can develop:
- The average consumer has experienced computer troubles eight times — about every four months — over the last three years
- The average American wastes 12 hours a month — the equivalent of half a weekend — due to home computer problems
- A majority of Americans (52%) describe their most recent experience with a computer problem as one of anger, sadness or alienation
Experts agree that computer problems sometimes cause emotional distress, similar to what happens when problems occur between spouses.
"As computers become increasingly pervasive in our lives, our relationships with them can begin to seem almost as important as a relationship with a significant other," said one psychotherapist, Dr. Robi Ludwig. "When problems occur with the computer, it often leaves people feeling frustrated or helpless."