The PC: Your New Significant Other

According to a new study by independent research firm Kelton Research, 65 percent of American consumers are spending more time with a computer than with their significant other. The study was commissioned by SupportSoft and support.com.

The "Cyber Stress" study confirmed that Americans continue to have a growing "relationship" with technology. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed say they are more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago.

"One thing I've seen more and more is the younger generation spending a whole lot of time on computers," said David Lewis, a computer science professor at the Navarro College Waxahachie campus. "I bet studies would show it's affecting their study times and such as well as their relationships. Computers are great if it's used right. You have a world of information at your fingertips with computers, but it's an addictive thing.

Adding to the everyday time spent on computers is the frustration of time spent making repairs to computer hardware and software.

"Unfortunately in the case of their computers, things aren't going so well for Americans," said Josh Pickus, CEO of SupportSoft. "For these reasons, we will be launching support.com, a service that speaks to consumers without talking down to them and uses proven, patented technology to resolve their frustrating computer problems - guaranteed."

According to the survey:

The average consumer has experienced computer troubles eight times - about every four months - over the last three years. The average American is wasting 12 hours per month - the equivalent of half a weekend - due to problems with their home computer.

A majority of Americans (52 percent) describe their most recent experience with a computer problem as one of anger, sadness or alienation.