School Uniforms or Technology?

Friday 08th of May 2009 07:36:28 PM

If you had to choose between buying school uniforms and keeping the internet connected, which would you choose? Though many people would naturally put the purchase of uniforms first, it turns out there are also plenty who would choose the internet connection over vacations, some food, utilities, and even school clothing. Digital Families surveyed 500 United Kingdom families and the surprising result was that many now consider the internet an essential expense. The purpose of the survey was to determine which items families are cutting back on, or reducing consumption of, during the current economic downturn.

The internet has become a critical tool needed for information access, shopping, social networking, gaming, and communication. Some families would give up some of their weekly food bill before giving up the internet. But it’s not just the internet that has become an essential household item. Most homes are now loaded with a number of gadgets and tools that are electronic or computerized. There are flat screen televisions, electronic games, mobile phones, and of course, one or more computers. Over 11 million UK consumers consider their internet more important than their utility bills. The percent technology expenses account for in the typical household has risen to 10 percent.

Even though technology accounts for 10% of the budget, the access to the online retailers also enables families to reduce their expenses for many items including clothing. For example, it is much easier to find high quality low-cost promotional clothing shopping online then it is to shop around town. The internet has become an important time-saving tool also for working parents. The entire household uses the technology too, including parents and children. Parents play computer games with their children. Children and parents surf the net. Everyone makes calls on cell phones.

Technology has progressed from a luxury to a necessity in the opinion of many families.

Image by Pam Roth, www.sxc.hu/