We’ll scrimp on foodm family holidays and even school uniforms but technology during the current credit crunch, says a new report. And it’s no wonder with our lives revolving around emails, wireless broadband and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
The study by O2 found the follwing:
? Technology is no longer a discretionary household expenditure ? 11 million families are prioritising access to the internet over food and utility bills in the recession
? Families are taking advantage of the internet to communicate ? 3.4 million parents now use social networks to say in touch with immediate family
? The increased availability of mobiles, email and social networks are bringing families closer together ? technology frees up the day for families to spend quality time together
? Four types of UK families identified ? each with distinct attitudes around the role of technology within the family
Asked about the items they are reluctant to cut back on during the recession, families chose the internet (67%) over school uniforms (59%), family holidays (30%) and the weekly food shop (24%).
The research also revealed that despite the credit crunch, families are embracing technology like never before. 40% of parents claim that technology purchases and subscriptions account for 10% of the household budget, an estimated ?3,000 per year.
Similarly, UK households now on average have 2.4 TVs, 1.6 computers, 2.4 games consoles, three mobile phones and 2.2 MP3 players. With digital technology now present in every room in the house, it is not surprising that only one in ten (9%) parents still admit they find it intimidating.
