Half of consumers say they don’t need an Internet of Things

If you’re tired of all this talk about connected gadgets and smart tech, you’re not alone. In fact, almost half of UK consumers claim they don’t need any more technology in their lives, according to new research from Toluna, looking at consumer attitudes to the Internet of Things.

The 47% figure is a 14% increase compared with just six months ago, with consumers becoming increasingly concerned about a number of issues.

Of the 1,000 UK consumers surveyed, 67% cited security as the greatest issue, followed by reliability (62%) and behavioural issues such as distracted drivers and constant interference (47%).

However, it’s not all bad news for those wishing to cash in. When asked if there were areas which they would not use the IoT, 30% of respondents said they would not rule out any specific uses.

39% said they would likely use the IoT for healthcare, 28% for fitness, 47% for home appliances and 33% for connected cars.

“It is interesting to see that an increasing proportion of UK consumers currently claim not to want any more technology in their lives, although there are specific areas in which consumers feel the IoT may prove useful,” said Frédéric-Charles Petit, CEO, Toluna.

“While our research reveals that consumers are somewhat sceptical about this new evolutionary era of technology, this uncertainty will likely wane once we see how connected devices – such as smart medicine bottles and wearable activity trackers – revolutionise our lives for the better.”

The research comes alongside a separate study released by Time Inc. UK, which reveals that eight in 10 consumers are interested in buying a smart tech product for the home, but the purchase journey can take up to three months.

74% of consumers said that they can take up to one month to decide which product to buy, and a further 17% said that they take between one and three months.

Amy Cutmore, technology editor at Time Inc UK magazine Ideal Home, said that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered so consumers can “confidently take the leap.”

“I’m very excited about the connected home of the future but there are lots of questions consumers are asking,” said Cutmore. “Which system? How do you install these gadgets? Is it really as easy as downloading an app? Is my WiFi good enough and can I improve it?”

Evan Kypreos, editor of Time Inc UK’s TrustedReviews, added: “Smart tech can make people’s lives easier and safer, so why is this purchase more considered? It’s having one more thing to learn, one more thing that can go wrong, one more area of complexity in their lives.

“Consumers need to be as comfortable with smart tech in their homes as they are with their tablet for it to become a must-buy product.”

Ad legend Rory Sutherland discusses the Internet of Things