All those songs, games, apps, mobile connections and movie downloads are taking a toll on Americans’ wallets, with more than half of U.S. adults saying technology has made it easier to spend money and only 3 percent saying it has made it easier to save, according to a survey conducted for the American Institute of CPAs by Harris Interactive.
The US phone poll of 1,005 adults found that Americans who subscribe to digital services spend an average of $166 each month for cable TV, home Internet access, mobile phone service and digital subscriptions, like satellite radio and streaming video—the equivalent of 17 percent of their monthly rent or mortgage payment. Those who download songs, apps and other products spend an additional $38 per month, on average. Additional findings from this survey include:
- If facing a financial crunch, Americans would rather change what they eat than give up their cell phones, downloads or digital TV services. Asked to choose the one action they would most likely take in tight time, 41 percent said they would cut back on eating out, 20 percent said they would cut off cable TV, 8 percent said they would end cell phone service and 8 percent said they would stop downloading songs and digital products.
- Based on those who download each type of content, Americans buy an average of five digital songs per month, five movies or TV shows, two apps, two games and two eBooks.
- Seven in 10 adults, 69 percent, with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more download and pay for digital products and services, which is significantly higher than the roughly one quarter of those, 28 percent, with annual household incomes of less than $35,000.
- Four in 10 adults, or 41 percent, download and pay for digital products or services.
Methodology
Harris Interactive conducted the telephone survey on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs within the United States between March 8 and March 11, reaching a nationally representative sample of 1,005 adults aged 18 and older by landline and mobile phone.
So, what do you think ?