Spam Slams E-Mail and Even Web Use

Because of the proliferation of spam, spyware, and related problems, 44 percent of computer users have reduced their use of email and the Internet in the last 12 months, according to findings of a survey conducted by Osterman Research.

“The key overarching theme that emerges from this survey is that spam really does have to be addressed in a serious way,” said Michael Osterman, president of Osterman Research. “Four out of 10 email users reducing their use of email because of spyware and spam will have an intense impact on online marketers, who will have to rely more on other online channels.”

The survey polled a total of 241 respondents between January 18th and 20th.

Over 80 percent of email users believe the parties most responsible for spam are product vendors who employ spam advertising tactics and Internet service providers. However, only 26 percent of email users believe ISPs have been effective at addressing the spam problem; 11 percent believe vendors have been effective, the survey found.

Respondents, however, didn’t simply blame only vendors and ISPs. Almost 70 percent of people surveyed assumed personal responsibility for stopping their spam problems, more so than their company employers (62 percent); the federal government (45 percent); or state or local governments (32 percent).

Click on graphic to view survey

In gauging home email use, the survey found most respondents believe they have been effective at maintaining their own anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall defenses on their private computers.

Another recent spam study found spam consumes an average 10 8-hour workdays per year, and costs employers an estimated $2,000 annually per employee.