British Public Divided on the Role of Technology?

The British public is becoming increasingly concerned about the role of technology in society, according to the 1997 MORI Socioconsult study, a socio-cultural monitor which interprets people's values and attitudes in the context of social change.

The proportion of people who agree on balance that "technological progress is destroying our lives" has increased substantially over the past three years. This is despite a general belief in the positive influence of technology to improve the quality of life and, more recently, to help meet environmental aims.

The change in attitudes towards technology reflects the growing concern with the economic and social changes associated with the "infotech revolution". British people feel they are under increasing time pressure. More women are in employment than ever before, and greater demands are being placed upon those in work. They are expected to work longer hours (British employees work harder than their European counterparts) and experience more and more competitive pressure. Indeed, people are now much more likely to "feel under pressure to be successful and make money" than in the previous study and to believe in "working hard and playing hard".

Linked to this, a key current is emerging of "reprioritisation of work". People increasingly seek a balance in their lives between home and work. They feel that their private life is more important overall than their work life, even though they enjoy their work. Similarly, they are now more likely to prioritise their home lives, if work were to interfere with their personal lives.

Another strong current emerging in Britain now is that of "savouring time", being able to control one's own time, and to vary the speed of life. Time is more highly prized than ever before. Despite concerns about technological progress, British people are embracing new technologies, such as home faxes, answering services and mobiles, which will enable them to save time and inconvience.

The MORI Socioconsult Monitor is used by organisations to examine how values in society change over time and to identify which are likely to be the dominant trends affecting them in the future.

The Monitor includes over 150 value statements covering a wide range of issues, from attitudes to work to shopping habits. The survey also includes specific sections relating to consumer behaviour, technology, media, leisure, food, the home and the environment. It is used to link people's attitudes and values with their lifestyle and behaviour as consumers.

Technical details

The 1997 MORI Socioconsult Monitor is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,700 respondents across Great Britain in April 1997.