A study on robot vacuum owners in Europe reveals that 21% of users chat with their devices and try to persuade them through conversation when they break down. According to Kaspersky’s “Digital Superstitions” research, 39% of participants in Europe give their electronic devices a name, and the proportion of those who talk to their robot vacuums is 21%.
Naming Electronic Devices Trend
The results of Kaspersky’s “Digital Superstitions” research show that 39% of participants in Europe give names to their electronic devices. This indicates that users are becoming more attached to their electronic devices. Smartphones lead the list of devices most frequently given names.
Rates of Talking to Electronic Home Appliances
According to the research results, 84% of participants in Europe talk to their smartphones, 44% to their televisions, 40% to their laptops, 15% to their electric water heaters, 16% to their coffee machines, 16% to their smart speakers, and 21% to their robot vacuum cleaners.
Reasons for Talking to Devices
According to Kaspersky’s survey, 73% of participants talk to their devices for reasons other than voice commands. These reasons include asking the device to work or swearing at it when it freezes. In Europe, 43% of users also feel empathy towards their damaged, dropped, or broken devices.
Statements by Kaspersky Europe General Manager İlkem Özar
Kaspersky Europe General Manager İlkem Özar said the following about the research results: “As people become more attached to their digital devices, they tend to treat their electronic appliances as if they were friends or pets. Therefore, they develop feelings of trust and empathy towards their devices. However, it is important to maintain a balance and preserve some objectivity and boundaries, just as in all our interpersonal relationships. Otherwise, there are always risks of encountering cybercriminals who could use this trust for their own purposes. Excessive trust in digital devices and robotic systems can lead users to share their personal information, reduce their skepticism and caution, and ultimately become victims of cybercriminals.”
Kaspersky’s Tips for Personal Data Security
Kaspersky highlights the importance of adhering to the following security tips to ensure the safety of users’ personal data:
- Be Cautious When Sharing Private Information: Do not store or publish private information (phone numbers, passport details) on social networks, including in correspondence. Share confidential data in encrypted form, for example, in a password-protected archive.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Protect your accounts by using strong and unique passwords for each service. Opt for 12-character passwords containing different letters, numbers, and special characters. Store them securely in password managers.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication: Set up two-factor authentication on services that allow it to enhance the security of your accounts.
- Use Reliable Security Solutions: Use a trustworthy security solution that prevents you from visiting phishing sites designed to steal personal or payment information.
Conclusion
Kaspersky’s “Digital Superstitions” research reveals the details of users’ relationships with their electronic devices in EuropeDiscover how Turkish users interact with their electronic devices, including naming, chatting, and feeling empathy. Trends such as naming electronic devices, talking to devices, and feeling empathy for devices indicate that people are becoming more connected to the digital world. However, it should not be forgotten that this attachment carries risks in terms of cybersecurity.
