A recent survey referenced in an eMarketer article supports what you might expect - that consumers are excited about the advances made in technology – and the proof is in the increased confidence in sales via Web and Mobile based sources. The Pew Research Center for the People & Press (say that 10 times fast!) reveals that consumers are most excited about cellphones – about 69% believe that advances in mobile phones had improved their lives – a definite “change for the better.” 65% of respondents also believed that e-mail and the Internet were both positive technology changes in their lives.
Specific to mobile technology, consumers were also asked about advanced handheld devices such as Blackberrys and iPhones. Both were deemed to be relatively popular, although 25% of those surveyed felt that these technologies were a “change for the worse.” Out of those surveyed, young adults seemed to embrace the advancements in “smartphone” technology, and users 65+ were about 50/50 in acceptance of these changes.
Despite higher numbers than ever for online shopping and consumer confidence in 2009, the Pew Researchers found that their consumer group was not as satisfied with online shopping experiences as you might think. Only about 54% of those surveyed thought that online shopping and e-commerce were a “positive change,” with young adults liking it – surprisingly – even less than seniors and middle aged adults.
The public is still unsure about social networking – even though it seems like everyone is using it these days. Cited as making “no difference” as opposed to “change for the worse” or “change for the better,” social networking sites made this consumer survey group a bit ambivalent. About 50% had a positive impression, but the 65+ group stated that it didn’t know enough about social networking to determine whether it was good or bad. But even those who use social media, such as Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, etc. still had mixed feelings. Female users aged 12-21 cited that they felt they spent “too much time” using social media, which might be why they were unsure if it was a positive change.
Consumer confidence – or lack thereof – should give all Web and Mobile Web Developers cause to take a step back and look at where they are investing their marketing and technology spending the most. If consumers are unsure whether or not social media is right for them or not, you should really beware of how much you are focusing on this technology. Instead, spread out your focus between more traditional means of networking, communication and marketing while continuing to evaluate the effectiveness and popularity of social media.
For those getting into mobile media and marketing, be sure to continue to include marketing to standard mobile services and not just place all your focus on apps for iPhone/Android and other smartphone users. The bulk of consumers are still using 3G-type mobile phones and even the “big guys” in mobile are unsure of how deeply more advanced devices will penetrate the market in the current economic downturn.
The bottom line is that you should always be ready to evolve as technology advances, but you definitely need to remember to pay attention to your customer base and address their needs and interests first. Forward-thinking is essential, but keeping your current customers happy, satisfied and receiving your latest content/updates is vital to the continued success of your business.
Technology - Grow with the Flow
Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.
More Articles
Eversense Founder Matty Hennessy Discusses Engineering Products for Trans Bodies
For transgender folks shopping for pleasure products, it can be a daunting challenge to find items that accommodate their changing bodies, address their specific needs and support gender affirmation during intimacy.
How Adult Businesses Can Navigate Global Compliance Demands
The internet has made the world feel small. Case in point: Adult websites based in the U.S. are now getting letters from regulators demanding compliance with foreign laws, even if they don’t operate in those countries. Meanwhile, some U.S. website operators dealing with the patchwork of state-level age verification laws have considered incorporating offshore in the hopes of avoiding these new obligations — but even operators with no physical presence in the U.S. have been sued or threatened with claims for not following state AV laws.
Top Tips for Bulletproof Creator Management Contracts
The creator management business is booming. Every week, it seems, a new agency emerges, promising to turn creators into stars, automate their fan interactions or triple their revenue through “secret” social strategies. The reality? Many of these agencies are operating with contracts that wouldn’t survive a single serious dispute — if they even have contracts at all.
LSMT's Allison Brazier on Creating a More Connected Shopping Experience
Managing adult retail stores in Florida and Texas has never been for the faint of heart, but lately it’s become a veritable high-wire act. Between new legislation and shifting local attitudes, it seems like every day brings a new obstacle.
Building Sustainable Revenue Without Opt-Out Cross-Sales
Over the past year, we’ve seen growing pushback from acquirers on merchants using opt-out cross-sales — also known as negative option offers. This has been especially noticeable in the U.S. In fact, one of our acquirers now declines new merchants during onboarding if an opt-out flow is detected. Existing merchants submitting new URLs with opt-out cross-sales are being asked to remove them.
How to Handle Payment Disputes Without Sacrificing Trust
You can run the best-managed and most compliant website out there, but that still doesn’t completely shield you from the risks tied to payment disputes. Buyer’s remorse, an unclear billing description or even a simple misunderstanding can lead a customer to dispute a transaction. Accumulate enough disputes, and both your reputation and revenue could be at risk.
Tips for Supporting Male Shoppers Managing Stress and Performance Issues
When focusing on men’s sexual health, one crucial topic to discuss is how stress can impact men’s sexual well-being, and what can be done about it.
Sienna Day Talks Creator Life, Longevity and Loving the Work
When Sienna Day heard her name called onstage at the Euro XMAs in Amsterdam, the newly crowned 2025 MILF Creator of the Year froze — then floated.
Tips for Upgrading Retail Merchandising With AI
When an order from CalExotics arrived at one of our stores in Livermore, I wanted to help build the wall. After reorganizing it, I took a picture and asked ChatGPT what it thought of the wall. First, it noticed a gap in the top row and recommended adding a toy there or changing the spacing. Then it said, “I noticed there are some toys on the right that aren’t in boxes. You should take those down or put them in boxes.”
WIA Profile: Taylor Moore
With a 70-person team and a growing slate of tools for content creators, the Teasy Agency has developed a reputation for putting talent first. That commitment owes a lot to co-founder Taylor Moore’s own experiences as a cam model.
