iPad Owners Are ‘Selfish Elites.’ Critics Are ‘Independent Geeks.’

[JohnSmith2007 353]

iPad Owners Are ‘Selfish Elites.’ Critics Are ‘Independent Geeks.’

It’s not exactly official, but should also surprise no one: According to a new study the psychological profile of iPad owners can be summed up as “selfish elites” while have-not critics are “independent geeks.”

Of course the “haves” would probably call the “have nots” “cheap wannabes” to which the “have nots” would retort: “FANBOI!!”

Which is why we should stick to the science.

Consumer research firm MyType conducted the study, in which opinions of 20,000 people were analyzed between March and May. The firm’s conclusion was that iPad owners tend to be wealthy, sophisticated, highly educated and disproportionately interested in business and finance, while they scored terribly in the areas of altruism and kindness. In other words, “selfish elites.”

They are six times more likely to be “wealthy, well-educated, power-hungry, over-achieving, sophisticated, unkind and non-altruistic 30-50 year olds,” MyType’s Tim Koelkebeck told Wired.com.

96 percent those most likely to criticize the iPad, on the other hand, don’t even own one, although as geeks, they were slightly more likely to do so than the average population — and far more likely to have an opinion about the device one way or the other (updated). This group tends to be “self-directed young people who look down on conformity and are interested in videogames, computers, electronics, science and the internet,” said Koelkebeck.

One might expect people with an interest in videogames, computers, electronics, science and the internet to be interested in a device that lets you play videogames, functions like a computer, is made of electronics, relies on science and connects to the internet, which suggests there would be a high convert rate if the “have nots” just went to an Apple Store for the afternoon.

Why does the iPad apparently appeal to self-centered workaholics who value “power and achievement” and tend not to be kind or to help others (iPad owners in the Wired.com ranks notwithstanding)? MyType speculates that one factor could be the device’s high price tag, and because screen-bound workaholics are likely to want another screen with which to stay engaged. The urge to include another screen in one’s life correlates strongly to seeing value in connecting to information in a new way, which is basically a nice way of saying what a lot of people were saying when the iPad was released: What do you need one for, really?

As to the critics-who-are-a-test-drive-away-from-being-fans, the study found that “bashing the iPad is, in a way, an identity statement for independent geeks,” wrote Koelkebeck.

“As a mainstream, closed-platform device whose major claim to fame is ease of use and sex appeal, the iPad is everything that they are not.”

Ouch. For the record: Koelkebeck said it, not we.

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/ipad-owner-are-selfish-elites-critics-are-independent-geeks-says-study/

[Ban Hammer 13,344]

heard this one on the radio yesterday.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

nm

Edited July 28, 2010 by El Buscador

[mawilson 2,133]

I have two iPads.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I have two iPads.

Have you read any books using the iPad and if so, how was it?

[mawilson 2,133]

Have you read any books using the iPad and if so, how was it?

Yes, I have, and it's very enjoyable. I never thought I'd say it, but I actually prefer

e-books on the iPad to print. I thought I would miss the experience of holding (and

smell of) a real book, but the iPad is just so much more convenient that I actually read

more than I used to.

[The_Dude 1,142]

lol, two iPads? So that would make you Super Fanboi?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Yes, I have, and it's very enjoyable. I never thought I'd say it, but I actually prefer

e-books on the iPad to print. I thought I would miss the experience of holding (and

smell of) a real book, but the iPad is just so much more convenient that I actually read

more than I used to.

That's one of the reasons that will compel me to get one some day. Before it came out, I was considering the Kindle, but for nearly the same price, the iPad has so much more.

[KaiserD 12]

Yes, I have, and it's very enjoyable. I never thought I'd say it, but I actually prefer

e-books on the iPad to print. I thought I would miss the experience of holding (and

smell of) a real book, but the iPad is just so much more convenient that I actually read

more than I used to.

That's interesting. I have a friend who just finished writing a huge novel and a small device would be perfect to read it (I grimace at the thought of reading it here at my desktop), but to me books in general are a good reason to get away from the computer. Like you say, there's nothing like having the actual feel of a book in your hand but if you are swayed, maybe I would be too if I had one. Hmmm...

[Ban Hammer 13,344]

I have two iPads.

got any with wings?

[LaL 418]

"independent" and "selfish" doesn't really describe what's going on here. Look how much warmth and affection this owner is providing for his kitteh!

[mawilson 2,133]

:luv: