One-fifth of Americans think about next vacation while on vacation
One in five Americans are “always” thinking about planning their next vacation while on vacation, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults who travel found that one in five long to be on vacation again the day they get back (21%) and another 27% said this feeling sets in within a week.
The average person spent 11 days on vacation in 2023.
Looking ahead, the average American wants to spend 15 days on vacation in 2024 and, if they had unlimited PTO, they’d want to spend 18 days.
Although just a quarter of respondents said they travel more than the average person they know, 46% want to be known as a frequent traveler by others in their life.
Conducted by OnePoll for timeshare brand Club Wyndham, the survey found that 89% of those surveyed said vacation reduces their stress levels, even temporarily, with 84% saying a vacation can relax them and decrease stress for up to two whole weeks upon returning.
A majority of respondents said that they consider vacations as a form of self-care (86%).
Similarly, eight in 10 would be interested in a “do-nothing” vacation where they sit by the pool, beach or inside reading a book or relaxing.
“According to the survey, more than 70% of potential travelers count down to their vacation, and a majority long to travel again just one week after returning home,” said Annie Roberts, senior vice president of club and owner services at Club Wyndham.
“With today’s travelers often putting a great deal of time and thought into the trip planning and dreaming stages to ensure a vacation that is well tailored to their interests, it’s not surprising that they want to experience the ‘vacation glow’ again and again.”
To make sure they get what they’re looking for, those surveyed go to great lengths to plan their vacations.
Respondents want to steer clear of discomforts like sharing a bathroom with others (27%) and want to avoid situations where they would have difficulty sleeping (27%).
Nearly a quarter of travelers said sharing a hotel room isn’t ideal and the same percentage said small hotel rooms were a dealbreaker (23%, each).
Most Americans surveyed said that when on vacation with others, they prefer having their own or extra space to spread out (79%), including 82% of parents.
If they had their dream hotel room, respondents would make sure there was Wi-Fi (55%), a private balcony or outdoor area (41%), a large bedroom (37%), a large bathroom (33%) and a full-sized kitchen or kitchenette (32%).
“With nearly a third of respondents (29%) spending most or all their time at their hotel or resort while on vacation, it’s clear that travelers deserve more than just a place to sleep,” said Roberts. “People want to ensure their vacation decisions bring them quality, consistency and peace of mind for their entire experience. Accommodations that actually enhance your vacation, like separate bedrooms, bathrooms and full-sized kitchens, offer travelers a special luxury — the chance to gather comfortably to enjoy shared moments that become lifelong memories.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who travel was commissioned by Club Wyndham between March 22 and March 28, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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How hard is it for Americans to live sustainably?
A new survey found that one in six Americans admit they’re not well-informed about the ingredients in their commonly used products, with Gen Z feeling the least informed (19%).
The poll of 2,000 Americans, which looked at their efforts to be sustainable in their everyday lives, found that it’s harder than it may seem. More than half of respondents believe it’s “near impossible” to live guilt-free in their homes when it comes to sustainability (57%).
Forty percent of those surveyed consider their lifestyle “somewhat environmentally friendly,” while 28% said they are living a “very environmentally friendly” lifestyle, especially millennials (42%).
Part of living sustainably, according to 73% of those surveyed, is the importance of knowing the ingredients in the products you use often.
Millennials (79%) and baby boomers (65%) are particularly keen on understanding what’s in their products, and thus in their homes.
Yet, the survey conducted by OnePoll for Seventh Generation found that just 14% of all Americans surveyed said that sustainability is a priority when shopping around.
Of all the different items that they use to care for their home, respondents narrowed the absolute necessities down to trash bags (70%), dish soap (67%) and laundry detergent (65%).
However, the survey found that a quarter of Americans haven’t considered the impact these products have on the environment.
Respondents weren’t aware that common household items may contain fossil fuels like toothpaste (39%), which contains poloxamer 407 a petroleum derivative that helps make oil-based products dissolve easier in water.
Thirty-five percent of those surveyed didn’t know plastic dishes were composed of refined natural gas and oil (35%), and 26% weren’t aware that laundry detergent contains chemicals created from petroleum.
They were most surprised to discover toothpaste (51%) contains these materials, while another 36% were surprised to learn this about laundry detergent and 32% didn't expect candles to contain these kinds of traces.
“Many consumers don’t realize that many ingredients in conventional household products are petroleum-based,” said Alison Whritenour, CEO of Seventh Generation.
“Green chemistry has come so far and it’s completely possible to make plant-based products that will clean like conventional products. Choosing plant-based products is one simple way people can lessen their impact on the environment without sacrifice.”
Nearly half of Americans said that it shouldn’t fall on consumers to worry about the safety of the products they purchase (48%).
In fact, nearly four times the number of respondents believe that brands are more responsible for product safety as opposed to consumers (45% vs. 12%).
Similarly, 42% believe that consumers should be able to expect environmental friendliness when making purchases without having to do extensive research.
While 45% aren’t sure that it’s possible to avoid fossil fuels completely within their home, two in three want to try to live more sustainably.
To get there, six in 10 want to eliminate unsustainable products from their home.
Fifty-five percent of respondents would switch the products they use to live a 100% environmentally friendly lifestyle, with 45% expressing their willingness to pay more for sustainable products.
Some would go to further extremes, saying they would only watch TV using one streaming platform (23%) or only drink water forever (18%) if it meant they’d be living more sustainably.
The top product Americans would have a hard time giving up, even knowing it can be unsustainable, is laundry detergent (19%).
“Americans don’t have to give up their favorite common household products to live more sustainably,” said Whritenour. “There are plant-based brands that are labeled USDA Certified Biobased with a wide variety of household cleaning and personal care products that provide effective alternatives for consumers to use every day.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Seventh Generation between August 16 and August 21, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Most cat owners know very little about their feline friends
According to new research, cat owners still have a lot to learn when it comes to knowing all about their cat counterparts.
Even though nearly all cat owners (92%) believe they’re knowledgeable about cats, as part of a recent poll of 2,000 American cat owners, most don’t know basic facts about their feline — or its health needs.
Cat parents, on average, gave themselves a four out of five rating for how well they take care of their cat and reported they believe their cats would also give them a four out of five for being superb owners.
Yet, within the survey, cat parents confessed that, on average, they forget to fill up their cat’s water twice per week and even forget to feed their cats three times per week.
Commissioned by PetSafe and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that only 17% of respondents knew that cats have 18 toes and almost half (46%) didn’t know that many cats are lactose intolerant — debunking the popular image of a cat enjoying a bowl of milk.
The majority (56%) were unaware that cats purr due to both pleasure and distress and only a fifth (20%) knew that cats share 96% of their DNA with tigers.
The survey also found knowledge gaps on the more serious topic of hydration: More than four in ten (47%) didn’t know that cats tend to drink more water if it’s running and not still or stagnant.
And more than three-quarters (86%) also reported that their cats are sufficiently hydrated on a regular basis, yet three in four (75%) didn’t know that cats should drink roughly one ounce of water for every pound they weigh, per day.
The poll found that although six in ten cat parents (59%) admit they believe it’s healthier for their felines to drink filtered water versus unfiltered water, only 34% follow through and give their cats filtered water on the regular.
“By how well cat parents score themselves in terms of pet parenthood, it is obvious how much owners love their furry friends — there’s no doubt about it. The research found that seven in ten (69%) even said they can tell what their cat is thinking, even if they can’t communicate using words. But it also revealed some room for improvement in knowing about cats, so we can better take care of these furry companions,” said Janna Chollet, senior marketing manager at PetSafe. “With warmer months approaching, it’s important that cat parents have all the information they need to care for their cats, especially when it comes to hydration.”
Four out of five cat owners (79%) said their cats drink most of their water out of a bowl, 23% reported their cats mostly use a fountain to stay hydrated, and for cat parents who chose a bowl over a fountain, reasons for doing so included that it’s what their cat is used to (47%), it’s easy to fill up (44%) and it’s easy to clean (37%).
And even though 47% of all surveyed didn’t know that cats tend to drink more water if it’s running, almost seven in ten cat parents whose cats use a water bowl (68%) said they’d be likely to choose a fountain as their cat’s water source in the future if it could be proven that cats drink more water if it’s running and not still or stagnant.
For parents that prefer for their cats to drink out of a fountain, the top reasons for doing so was that their cat is attracted to running water (52%), the water is cleaner, fresher and healthier for their cat (43%) and they have more peace of mind knowing their cat has clean water (40%).
Cat parents who opt for a fountain said the most frustrating parts about cat fountains are being concerned it will stop working while they’re out of the house (31%), the amount of cleaning required (29%), expensive replacement filters (27%) and scrubbing mold out of the fountain (27%).
“Because cats add so much love to our lives and are mostly dependent on us, as owners, to meet their needs, we need to do our very best to take excellent care of them,” said Chollet. “Staying hydrated is the foundation of health so we encourage cat parents to choose a hydration solution that provides enough fresh, clean, running water for their furry friend since we know that cats drink more water if it’s moving. Hydrated cats are happy cats.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American cat owners was commissioned by PetSafe between Mar. 22 and Mar. 30, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Average American kid gets bored in only this many minutes
A new survey, commissioned by Elmer’s and conducted by OnePoll, has found the average parent has to come up with four new activities daily to keep their children entertained.
The poll of 2,000 U.S. parents found four in 10 parents always or often struggle to find ideas to keep their kids entertained.
And while most parents believe their children have active imaginations, the average kid gets bored in just 33 minutes and 47% of children quickly become bored with what they’re doing.
A third (35%) of parents said they feel stressed about finding new ideas for their kids as a result.
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Would you take a pay cut to work at a pet-friendly job?
Almost one in 10 (7%) pet parents have left a job to find a new one in order to better care for their pet.
That’s according to a new survey of 1,800 employed pet owners, which found that another 24% have considered doing so, but have not yet taken the leap.
In fact, 60% agree they would consider leaving their job if it conflicted with their ability to care for their pet.
According to the survey by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster, two in five (41%) would even be willing to take a pay cut in order to work in a pet-friendly environment.
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Grocery shopping hungry is costing Americans this much
According to research, grocery shopping on an empty stomach will cost you an extra $26 per trip, on average.
A recent poll of 2,000 general population Americans found that the average person makes two grocery runs per week and budgets $162 for their haul.
The study found that more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) agreed they’re more likely to spend more than they’d like if they grocery shop while hungry and six in ten said they’re also likely to leave their health goals at the door.
A majority (62%) said they’ll typically spend up to 20% more than what they’ve set aside for groceries for the week. Only a fifth (20%) reported that they never overspend what they’ve budgeted for groceries.
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Dole Food Company in honor of National Banana Day on Apr. 17, the study took a comprehensive look at Americans' grocery and produce shopping habits, food needs and priorities when it comes to nourishing themselves.
Respondents reported they need to visit two stores during a typical week to find all the items they need and their standard grocery run takes 39 minutes.
The average person is shopping to feed two while 30% are shopping to feed just themselves.
According to respondents, the best time to shop to avoid rushes and crowds is 8:00 a.m. - 9:59 a.m., the worst time is 4:00 p.m. - 5:59 p.m. and the most popular time is 10:00 a.m - 11:59 a.m.
Over half of Americans (56%) will typically shop with a grocery list and 79% of those who do said they’re less likely to overspend while shopping.
The study also found that three in four (74%) said their grocery hauls are similar to the items their parents would purchase during their childhood.
And 41% have preferred grocery and item brands and said they’re willing to visit an additional store to purchase them if their usual store doesn’t have them in stock.
In fact, according to the research, specific brands can be very important to consumers: 39% of Americans reported that they’re willing to pay more for brands that make their values known when it comes to transparency for sourcing, supply chain and environmental sustainability.
And, on average, respondents would be willing to pay nearly a tenth more (9%), on top of what they’re already spending, if it ensured they could have the highest quality produce and nutrient-dense healthy foods.
The most common “must-haves” for every grocery haul are bread (54%), eggs (52%), meat (51%), milk or milk substitutes (50%), coffee (35%) and bananas (35%).
But despite bananas’ popularity, 60% of respondents were unaware that bananas are the most-purchased grocery item in the U.S.
“A high-quality food shouldn’t break the bank. It should nourish us, be ethically sourced and should be readily available to consumers,” said William Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole. “We believe health should be our highest priority and should be reflected in the way people shop. For our 125th anniversary of growing and marketing bananas, we commissioned this study to look at how Americans spend on what’s important to them when it comes to food and their hierarchy of food needs.”
The survey found that Americans rank food variety (35%), quick and convenient foods (34%), protein-rich foods (32%) and inexpensive foods (30%) as their highest food priorities.
The factors that most influence what Americans buy at the supermarket are price (55%), flavor (48%), availability (23%) and nutrients (21%).
And when it comes to produce impulse shopping, respondents are most likely to snag bananas (33%), grapes (30%) and apples (22%) on their way to the checkout line.
The survey also settled the debate about the right stage to eat a banana and found that half (50%) said it’s during the “yellow with no spots” stage although a surprising number (6%) opt to eat their bananas while they’re mostly green.
“Bananas are often accused of being high in sugar content. However, the truth is bananas are a nutrient-dense, inexpensive food full of dietary fiber and vitamins B6 and C that should be part of your diet. Whole foods are intrinsically good for us,” said Goldfield. “We know bananas as a quick snack or addition to a meal, supporting heart health and energy metabolism.”
TOP TEN MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR EVERY GROCERY TRIP
- Bread - 54%
- Eggs - 52%
- Meat(s) - 51%
- Milk or milk substitutes - 50%
- Coffee - 35%
- Bananas - 35%
- Potatoes - 33%
- Chips - 32%
- Juice - 31%
- Noodles / pasta - 30%
THE RIGHT STAGE TO EAT A BANANA
- Mostly green - 6%
- Green/yellow - 23%
- Yellow with no spots - 50%
- Yellow with brown spots - 13%
- Mostly brown - 1%
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Dole between Mar. 14 and Mar. 18, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Americans eat enough grilled cheeses each year to fill 900 Olympic swimming pools
Toast and liquid gold — America eats enough grilled cheese sandwiches in a year to fill nearly 900 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
A new state-by-state poll of 5,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by Pepperidge Farm and conducted by OnePoll, found a single average person eats 36 grilled cheeses per year. If everyone in the nation’s population were to eat the average amount in a year, it would be enough to cover 29,180 football fields with the classic sandwich.
Grilled cheese sandwiches were found to be best for quick and easy weekday meals (53%), during cravings (38%) and on rainy days (27%).
Three in five (62%) agreed that grilled cheese is best made at home and 40% said they prefer eating it for lunch more than any other meal time.
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Over 50% of Americans trust Google more than what they learned in school
One-quarter of Americans would rather spend an evening doing homework than their taxes, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 Americans split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) revealed that they’d also rather dissect a frog (14%), take the SATs (11%) or take a calculus exam (9%).
The survey also asked respondents how much practical information they learned in school and found that Americans feel like they only use half (52%) of the information they were taught in their adult lives.
This may also be why 55% admit that they rely on Google more than their formal education, with the average American searching five basic questions each day.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the banking app Chime, the survey found that almost one-third (32%) of Americans learned “nothing at all” about personal finances during their formal education.
Results showed that respondents knew more about information that is rarely used in daily life, like the definitions of equilateral (72%), scalene (69%) and isosceles (57%) triangles, than they did about crucial financial information, such as the difference between a W-2 and a W-4 (46%.)
And while more than half (52%) of Gen Zers were able to identify the mitochondria as the powerhouse of the cell, only a quarter (26%) of the same group correctly defined “taxable income” as money, property or services you earn through work, investments and other means.
Results also found that while 63% of all respondents consider themselves smarter than the average middle schooler, 16% of both baby boomers and Gen X don’t feel like they are.
“Everyone has strengths when it comes to money, but it's clear that schools have not taught our country properly on the topic. Results found that 48% of Gen Z and millennial respondents believe that their ‘financial literacy age’ is 20 years old or younger,” said Sara El-Amine, vice president of Community for Chime. “Financial education is a lifelong learning process that takes time and sometimes trial and error. There seems to be a real opportunity in America to build foundational lessons earlier in life and set up everyday people to feel empowered and confident to achieve their financial goals.”
Results also found that there is an eagerness for progress in financial education. Eighty-one percent of respondents would be willing to take an “adulting crash course” or the opportunity to learn relevant skills for being an adult.
The topic that they’d like to learn about most is managing their personal finances (39%), followed by how to do their taxes (33%) and home buying and mortgages (31%).
Others would like to learn how to write a cover letter or resume (23%), how to change the oil in their car (22%) or even how to cook (21%).
Americans also believe that those same topics should be taught in high school, along with workplace etiquette (44%), how to clean (25%) or do laundry (23%) as well as relationship guidance (22%).
When it comes to managing their finances, Americans struggle the most with sticking to a budget (34%), paying off debts (30%) and investing (28%).
Understanding how their finances today impact their future (30%), working with a financial advisor (29%) and taking a class on finances (28%) are the top ways Americans say they would feel more confident in managing their finances.
“Money is a part of our everyday lives — in big ways and small ones — much more so than calculus or geometry. So why isn’t it a standard part of education? The results of the survey really emphasize the importance of building a solid understanding of finance basics in adulthood, and, with Financial Literacy Month in April, there’s no better time to get started,” said El-Amine. “When you feel more confident in understanding your finances, you’ll also feel more confident in taking on the adult world.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 U.S. adults split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) was commissioned by Chime between Feb. 29 and March 4, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Why 3 in 4 prefer road trips over flying
Nearly three-quarters of Americans prefer driving to their vacation destination over flying, according to new research.
A recent poll of 2,000 American drivers found that the open road is the best way when embarking on an adventure.
So what makes driving the most popular option? Road trip veterans reported the best things about road trips include seeing new landscapes (50%), listening to music (43%), getting a break from their routine (26%) and enjoying the feeling of driving (25%).
In fact, only 22% of respondents will opt to fly rather than drive when going on a trip.
Commissioned by Michelin for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that almost half of those who’ve ever gone on a road trip (43%) rank themselves as experienced, and a fifth (21%) go so far as to label themselves as expert-level.
And of those who have ever taken a road trip, the average respondent has racked up the miles, knocking out 16 road trips in their lifetime.
Forty-five percent prefer to assume driving responsibilities for the trip, 22% prefer to have another person drive, and 28% enjoy splitting the driving role with someone else.
The biggest concerns for respondents while on a road trip or long drive include having a safe and reliable car (35%), traffic (32%), staying alert and awake (28%) and being aware of dangerous drivers (27%).
Safety is top of mind for respondents embarking on a long road trip.
The most common hacks respondents use to stay alert and awake on long drives and road trips include listening to music, audiobooks and podcasts (57%), talking to someone else in the car (57%), and drinking coffee or energy drinks (52%).
More than three in five (68%) will also have a check-in schedule while on a long drive or road trip to let friends or family know they’re safe. Twenty-two percent of those will check in halfway through the drive and 20% will send a check-in text or call every two hours.
"Sometimes, a little preparation can go a long way, especially with road trips. The best trips and vacations include a safety plan. As all drivers and road trippers know, you need to account for unexpected bumps in the road,” said Russell Shepherd, technical communications director of Michelin North America. “If you know you have a reliable car and you can safely get to where you’re going, you’ll be better able to enjoy the ride, without worrying about little mishaps.”
For those who have taken a road trip or long drive in the last five years, respondents ranked losing cell service (36%), needing to make frequent bathroom stops (35%) and passengers asking, “Are we there yet?” (27%) as their biggest pet peeves.
But little annoyances aren’t the only things to worry about on the open road: 37% of road trippers have experienced what they’d call a road trip nightmare.
The survey respondents told tales of flat tires, broken down cars, brakes giving out, accidents, blizzards, rock slides, icy roads and troublesome travel companions to name a few. One respondent memorably lost their wallet and pawned a boom box for gas to make it home.
It’s not surprising then that 93% of long-distance drivers agree that they’re able to enjoy themselves to the fullest, make more memories and be fully present on the trip if they know their car is safe and reliable.
Pre-road trip, 79% of road trippers prefer to have their car inspected, either by themselves or by a professional.
Over nine in 10 of those (95%) will check their tires for nails, tread depth and tire pressure, and almost all (94%) say it’s a high priority to have a reliable car when embarking.
“For drivers and road trippers hitting the road this spring and summer, we encourage you to check out your car and make sure it’s in the best shape possible before making the drive,” said Shepherd. “Car trouble is stressful, which isn’t the point of an adventure or vacation.”
THE BEST PARTS OF ROAD TRIPS AND LONG DRIVES
● Seeing new landscapes and scenery — 50%
● Listening to music — 43%
● Getting a break from my routine — 26%
● Enjoying the feeling of driving — 25%
● Trying local food along the way — 24%
● Getting to my destination — 24%
● Talking to the people I’m driving with — 23%
● Getting a chance to clear my head— 19%
● Getting some peace and quiet — 16%
● Listening to podcasts — 8%
● Calling friends or family — 6%
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers was commissioned by Michelin between Feb. 9 and Feb. 20, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Top 10 most environmentally conscious states
New Mexico, California and Oregon are the self-declared most eco-friendly states, according to new research, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by OnePoll ahead of Earth Day.
The survey of 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state, asked respondents how environmentally conscious they consider themselves on a day-to-day basis, with a scale from 0–10.
New Mexicans came out as the most environmentally conscious, rating themselves as 5.7 out of 10 — with California and Oregon not far behind, with each giving themselves a 5.5.
Following that was a four-way tie, with Delaware, Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington each giving themselves a 5.4 out of 10.
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Half of parents lose sleep over their child’s development
A new study has found parents are deeply concerned about their child’s academic and character development before they turn 5 years old.
The poll of 2,000 parents of children ages five and younger found 59% are concerned about their children’s academic and character development, citing concerns about whether their children will learn to play fairly and cooperate with others (50%), communicate well with others (49%) and be able to appropriately express themselves (47%).
Parents listed several challenges they face to support their children’s development, including creating a routine (38%), teaching positive behaviors (30%), planning activities (25%), providing a consistent environment (23%) and building early literacy and math skills (23%).
Commissioned by Primrose Schools and conducted by OnePoll, the study revealed a large majority (98%) of parents understand the importance the first five years of life play in a child’s development and future successes.
According to results, parents shared the earliest ages they believed their children could learn important skills and concepts.
For example, some parents believe their children should be able to interact with peers, learn language skills and learn social skills by age two.
By age three, parents believe their children should be able to start benefitting from formal learning activities and grasp academic concepts. Over half of parents surveyed (55%) said their concerns about their children’s development are worrisome enough to keep them up at night.
“In the first five years of a child’s life, parents have an opportunity to maximize the power and potential of this critical time,” said Dr. Amy Jackson, chief early learning strategy officer at Primrose Schools. “It’s clear that parents want their children to learn these important academic and character development skills while their brains are most receptive to learning, but we know many worry about finding the right approach.”
When it comes to support systems for parents, 82% of parents consider preschools to be a part of their support systems — alongside immediate family (88%), extended family (37%) and friends (33%).
When looking at preschools, parents said they look for a place that offers a safe place where their child can feel like they belong (28%), qualified teachers invested in their child’s development (24%) and kindergarten readiness (15%).
When parents are not consulting their support system, 73% will at least occasionally consult the internet for parenting advice, instead. However, 43% said they feel “overwhelmed” by what they find online.
“Support systems are important for new parents, especially during their child’s first five years of life,” continued Dr. Jackson. “The experiences and connections children have in these early years will shape their academic, physical and social-emotional development — ultimately forming their foundation for learning and who they become.”
TOP 10 SKILLS PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
- Naming colors - 76%
- Sharing - 72%
- Verbal skills - 72%
- Numbers and shapes - 72%
- The alphabet - 67%
- Creativity - 60%
- Self-control and cooperation - 54%
- Appropriate self-expression - 54%
- Self-confidence - 54%
- Compassion - 51%
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American parents of children aged 0 to 5 was commissioned by Primrose Schools between Feb 22 and Feb 26, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Is 'patientsplaining' beneficial for your health?
Seven in 10 Americans are guilty of “patientsplaining” their online health findings to their doctor (68%), according to new research.
A survey looked at how 2,000 general population Americans invest time into their health and found that three in four do at least some health-related research in their spare time (77%).
When they experience a change in their bodies, the same percentage of respondents would schedule a doctor’s appointment first (30%) as those who would look their concerns up online themselves (32%).
Conducted by OnePoll for Vimergy, the survey found that those surveyed want to take an even greater interest in caring for their body, with the average person researching the best ways to care for their health five times within the past month.
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Why car owners consider their car ‘part of the family’
Half of Americans consider their car to be “part of the family,” according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 American car owners revealed that 51% think of their car as part of the family — and 53% would keep their current car forever if given the option.
For some, this is due to an emotional attachment (22%), while others have fond memories with their current cars (24%).
There are also more practical reasons for why respondents want to keep their current cars: almost six in 10 said it was because of the reliability (58%) their car has given them and 45% said it’s due to the good gas mileage they’re able to get.
From a financial perspective, the majority of drivers surveyed (80%) said they are likely to hold on to their car for as long as possible if they feel it will save them money in the long run.
Others admit that their car needs an upgrade now but they are unable to afford one due to financial constraints (46%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Meineke, the survey examined respondents’ feelings toward their current cars, as well as their preferences for future car ownership.
Despite their attachment to their current vehicle, only a third (34%) of drivers surveyed said they’d purchase the same make and model for their next car.
On the other hand, 47% said they’d be looking for something different — and for some, this will be an electric vehicle.
Forty-five percent of Americans surveyed believe electric vehicles are the future of car ownership, with younger generations increasingly likely to agree.
Specifically, 69% of Gen Z and 59% of millennials in the survey see electric cars as the future, compared to 41% of Gen X and 32% of baby boomers.
Results revealed that 41% of all respondents are glad that electric vehicles are an option for their future car — with younger generations again more likely to agree (59% of Gen Z and 56% of millennials, compared to 37% of Gen X and 27% of baby boomers surveyed).
"We're witnessing a shift in car ownership trends, propelled by interest in electric vehicles, especially with younger generations who see driving electric as the way of the future," said Christopher Streahle, VP of Marketing Meineke Car Care Centers. "Environmentally friendly transit options are on the rise and drivers are also considering something new, making electric vehicles a compelling option."
The survey asked respondents what would make them consider an electric vehicle as their next car — not having to pay for gas (35%) came out as the No. 1 reason.
Following that, respondents said electric vehicles being better for the environment (33%) and helping to reduce air pollution (29%) were the other top reasons they’d consider owning one.
Rounding out the top five reasons why respondents may look for an electric car in the future were receiving government incentives, such as tax credits (25%) and having a smooth and quick acceleration (17%).
Yet, the research showed Americans still have concerns about electric vehicles: 66% anticipate higher ownership costs, while 41% believe they’ll need to spend more time at a mechanic with an electric car.
Perhaps because of that, 90% of drivers surveyed said it’s important to have a mechanic they trust.
“As the automotive landscape evolves to include more electric vehicles on the road, so do our services," said Mike Baden, owner of Meineke of Indian Land, South Carolina. “Those who opt for electric cars can now take advantage of dependable auto maintenance and drive in confidence knowing their car care needs are met."
WHY WOULD RESPONDENTS HOLD ONTO THEIR CURRENT CAR FOR “AS LONG AS POSSIBLE”?
● Reliability — 58%
● Good gas mileage — 45%
● Inability to upgrade because of financial constraints — 28%
● Fond memories with the car — 24%
● Emotional attachment — 22%
WHY WOULD RESPONDENTS CONSIDER AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
● Do not have to pay for gas — 35%
● Better for the environment — 33%
● Reducing air pollution — 29%
● Government incentives, such as tax credits — 25%
● Smooth and quick acceleration — 17%
● Reducing noise pollution — 17%
● Prefer to charge a battery than pump gas — 13%
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers was commissioned by Meineke between Feb. 29 and March 4, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Study shows Americans feel pressured to work while sick
The average American spends about 84 hours a year working while under the weather, according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 general population Americans, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nectar Allergy, revealed that the average person works 10 and a half days per year while feeling under the weather, on average — and 47% admit they’d rather “power through” than take a sick day.
For some, they may be more inclined to “power through,” as they’re worried others may think they’re “dramatic” when they’re feeling unwell (34%).
Forty-eight percent of respondents remember a negative comment someone else made about how frequently they feel unwell, either due to allergies or other conditions and illnesses and over a quarter of those surveyed (26%) said in their friend group or family, they feel like they’re the person who is most often sick or feeling unwell.
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Which state spends the most time cleaning their home?
According to research, people in Idaho and Maine are the most meticulous when it comes to having a clean home.
A recent poll of 100 Americans from each of the 50 states investigated the cleaning habits of each and found that, on average, respondents in Idaho and Maine spend the most time per session cleaning their homes (59 minutes).
So which state can get the most done in the shortest amount of time? New York spends the least time, on average, per cleaning session and will knock out their chores in 45 minutes.
According to results, the average American cleans their home once per week and declutters their house three times per year.
The most time is spent cleaning the kitchen (50%) and America’s least favorite room to clean is, predictably, the bathroom (36%).
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Maid Brigade, the poll also looked at least favorite cleaning tasks and found that cleaning the shower (30%), wiping down the bathroom (19%), mopping (18%) and cleaning windows and glass doors (17%) are all things respondents would rather not do.
The most common parts of the cleaning process, according to respondents, are cleaning one room at a time (52%), turning on the tunes (52%), pacing themselves and taking breaks (40%), showering after cleaning (33%) and even getting distracted while cleaning (22%).
So what do Americans’ bedrooms look like? These rooms need a little more love when it comes to tidying up as results showed that respondents’ bedrooms are some of the least-cleaned rooms (23%) along with garages (26%).
However, more than half (52%) of respondents believe their homes are cleaner than others.
And more than a quarter (26%) of Americans judge others for having messy homes.
“Whether or not the cleanliness of someone’s home influences your opinion of them, the state of your own living space can affect your personal well-being,” said Raychel Leong-Sullins, president of Maid Brigade.
“A clean and uncluttered space tends to be more calming, whereas an untidy area tends to feel more chaotic. With all our commitments related to work, family, and social events, it can be difficult to find time to keep the house orderly unless we have some help. It can be very stressful trying to ‘do it all,’ and that stress can take a toll on how we interact with others.”
According to the study, three-quarters (74%) said that clutter in their home increases their mental clutter.
And of those who prefer clutter-free homes for clutter-free minds, people from Minnesota (85%), Montana (84%) and South Carolina (84%) are most likely to be the clutter police — taking extra care to make sure their space is clean.
Twenty-seven percent agreed that having a clean home improves their mental health and one in ten respondents (9%) put a high price tag on a clean house when they admitted they’d trade a family member in exchange for having their homes regularly cleaned by a professional.
Nearly half (44%) believe they’d have more time for the things they love doing if they didn’t spend as much time cleaning.
Regarding cleaning specifics, more than three in five (63%) say it’s important to use natural cleaning supplies when cleaning their homes but, surprisingly, almost seven in ten (69%) say they’re likely to use the same cleaning materials, like mops and cloths, across different rooms in the home.
“While the majority of women in relationships are the primary decision-makers regarding housekeeping, let’s not forget about those [men and women] that are single — they have the same burden of keeping their homes clean,” said Leong-Sullins. “If we could wave a magic wand and have our homes transformed into neat and comfortable living spaces, I think most of us would be wielding that wand daily!
“Think about how good it feels to walk into a hotel room that first time, there’s almost an immediate emotional and physical response, a relief or unburdening to be in a serene space. To have that same feeling when you walk into your own home is priceless, so it’s important to find a cleaning routine that fits your lifestyle or get a professional to assist.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 100 Americans from each of the 50 states was commissioned by Maid Brigade between Feb. 12 and Feb. 21, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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How are Americans paying it forward?
Almost nine in 10 Americans believe that karma is real.
That’s according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults which revealed that 84% buy into the idea that what goes around comes around. Perhaps inspired by that notion, another 84% say they will go out of their way to “pay it forward” whenever possible.
Results also revealed, however, that bad karma has made its rounds and Americans attribute bad relationships (34%), losing something (27%) and arguments with others (27%) to it.
Whatever the reason, whether it's to get their cosmic energy on track or general human nature, Americans report they are paying it forward in all kinds of ways. The survey showed that “paying it forward” most often includes treating their loved ones to something special (50%), giving generous tips (48%) and helping out a neighbor, such as carrying their groceries or helping them shovel snow (46%).
It also includes donating money to organizations or charities (40%), volunteering their time to help out friends and family (38%) and supporting small or locally owned businesses (35%).
Results showed that the average American engages in five generous acts per week, totaling 260 random acts of kindness each year.
Beyond the mysterious karma-related benefits, these acts of paying it forward have real effects on more than those in the receiving end — Americans feel better about themselves (49%), their life overall (37%) and feel more confident (22%) when they’re able to do so.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of banking app Chime, the survey also found that the top three ways Americans define “generosity” include “going out of your way to help someone else” (68%), “giving your time” (54%) and “paying it forward” (40%).
When asked the biggest generous acts they’ve done for someone else, respondents outlined scenarios like, “[I] opened my home for friend to move in during a health crisis,” “I overheard a waitress discussing some unexpected bills she was worried about covering so left her a $200 tip,” or even “I went to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to work on restoring houses.”
With that, almost three-quarters (72%) of Americans consider themselves to be generous, despite less than half (43%) currently feeling financially secure.
Respondents feel the rest of the United States has some work to do and does not match their own personal approach to generosity, with 42% saying the country is not generous.
“These survey results highlight the generous spirit in our country, regardless of what they think about the world around them or their current financial situation. Despite only 43% feeling financially secure, results found that almost two-thirds (65%) are likely to ‘keep the chain going’ and pay for the food of the person behind them in a drive-thru, if someone else paid for theirs,” said Sara El-Amine, Vice President of Community at Chime. “We’re encouraged to see that the ‘pay it forward’ spirit is alive and well in this country, despite some of the current economic challenges everyday people are facing.”
Americans are most likely to pay it forward whenever the mood strikes (43%). Others are influenced by a good mood (24%), after someone else does something nice for them (18%) or even when a loved one is celebrating a milestone (13%).
No matter what triggers it, results also found that Americans are more than five times more likely to find that their spirits are lifted more when they’re able to help someone else out than when someone else helps them out (72% vs 13%).
Looking toward the future, an astounding 83% of respondents believe that they’d be even more generous if they were more financially secure.
Financial security and progress looks different for everyone, but two in five (38%) say that financial progress means being able to treat their family and friends or being able to donate to charity (30%).
“Feeling good about your finances can mean more than just adding commas to your bank account. The results further emphasize that everyday people are considering others when managing their own financial progress,” said El-Amine. “Someone's financial situation should not be the thing holding them back from living generously.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Chime between Feb. 14 and Feb. 19, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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House to home? This is the most intimidating room to renovate
More than one-third (35%) of Americans believe they have the skills and know-how to host their own home remodeling show.
That’s according to a recent poll of 2,000 American homeowners, which also found that despite their apparent confidence, 48% admit they wouldn’t want to tackle any plumbing or electrical work their home needs on their own.
But almost two-thirds (64%) of homeowners surveyed would be willing to attempt home renovations on their own today.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Bath Fitter, bath and shower remodelers, results revealed that the average homeowner watches seven hours of home remodeling or renovation content each week.
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Which US college basketball fans bring the most heat?
College basketball fans in the South claim to be the most knowledgeable about the sport.
That’s according to a new survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Frank’s RedHot, of 2,000 college basketball fans, split by the West, South, Midwest and East regions.
Results showed that those same Southerners are also most likely to drown their sorrows in snacks when their team loses (24%) and are also most likely to pull out the snacks that are relevant to their team or region for good luck (18%).
Eastern college basketball fans, however, are most likely to try not to toss their plate due to excitement or sadness (14%).
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Does drinking more water make you happier?
The average American finds happiness in the “little things” 57 times per week, according to new research, commissioned by True Lemon and conducted by OnePoll.
The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed that, on average, respondents find happiness in small things about eight times per day, adding up to just under 60 per week.
To improve their mood throughout the day — and give themselves something to smile about — respondents make an effort to stay hydrated (36%), eat enough that they avoid getting “hangry” (31%) and take walks (30%).
And it seems many aim to start their day off on the right foot, as results revealed that after reaching for their phone (40%) as soon as they wake up, 20% look for a glass of water.
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How many times per week do Americans forget to brush their teeth?
Americans admit to forgetting to brush their teeth five times per week.
That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, which also found that it’s not only the toothbrush that’s being forgotten — they also admit to skipping out on the floss and mouthwash four days each week.
Despite their forgetful nature, an astounding 92% of Americans do believe that their oral care routine is important to their overall health.
In fact, 51% believe that oral hygiene is so important that they’d speak to a loved one if they noticed they had poor oral care habits or bad breath.
Taking that a step further, respondents would also be willing to look inside their mouth (32%) or even lend them their toothbrush if needed (14%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of LISTERINE® Clinical Solutions for World Oral Health Day, results found that a majority (75%) of Americans agree that there is a “right” way to care for your oral health. This includes no-brainers like going to the dentist regularly (81%), brushing your teeth multiple times a day (75%) and using mouthwash (60%).
Those sentiments toward oral care extend beyond physical appearance, as 89% of Americans surveyed agreed that they feel more confident when they feel good about their oral health.
But for all the right approaches Americans are taking, there are always some that are atypical. When asked the most unconventional oral care method they’ve witnessed, respondents outlined, “using a washcloth to clean their teeth,” or “using fishing line to floss.”
One-quarter of respondents even admit that they are embarrassed by the current state of their oral health.
“While it’s promising to see that people are keeping dental health top of mind, as a dentist, I encourage more commitment to maintaining each of the critical steps of the oral hygiene routine — all of which are crucial to healthy teeth and gums,” said Dr. Marie M. Jackson, dentist and LISTERINE Clinical Solutions partner. “Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash twice a day, every day really are our best tools when it comes to fighting and preventing common oral health issues.”
The survey revealed that in the last year, Americans have experienced dental woes such as sensitive teeth (34%), plaque build-up (28%) and bleeding gums (24%).
And for some respondents, these issues are chronic: one in five (21%) said they suffer from oral pain or discomfort in their teeth and gums at least every other week.
Perhaps because of how common these dental issues are, almost all respondents (93%) indicate that they understand the importance of addressing bleeding gums for their overall health.
This may be why three in four (76%) aim to seek out products that are catered to their specific oral needs.
Finding products that fit their needs is one way that respondents are prioritizing their oral health — and motivators to do so include preventing bad breath (73%), cavities (72%) and avoiding gum disease (68%).
“It can be alarming when experiencing dental issues like seeing blood in the sink after brushing or flossing,” said Dr. Jackson. “However, there are ways to tackle these problems, and I’m glad to see the data trends toward a top recommendation of mine, which starts with personalizing your home care routine with products that can help suit your unique dental health needs for a fresher and cleaner mouth.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by LISTERINE® Clinical Solutions between Feb. 23 and Feb. 29, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Majority of men self-conscious about this
A new study has found a majority of American men are self-conscious about how they smell.
The poll of 2,000 US millennial men, commissioned by Old Spice Total Body Deodorant and conducted by OnePoll, found 72% of men are anxious about how their body smells on any typical day.
Body odor was found to be a heavy weight on men’s minds: 52% worry they have body odor and aren’t aware of it. Nearly as many (51%) have concerns they don’t know how to fix their body odor. Still, 59% said they’d want someone to tell them if they have bad body odor.
The body parts men are most concerned about when it comes to odor include their armpits (71%), neck (40%), head and hair (39%), arms (30%) and hands (25%).
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Americans share their must-haves for true comfort
Only a fifth of respondents have experienced “true comfort” in the past 24 hours, according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 general population Americans, commissioned by Serta and conducted by OnePoll, revealed that true comfort — feeling completely relaxed or at ease — can be hard to come by, as just 21% have experienced this within the past day.
The survey also found that the average American polled only feels comfortable for a third of the day, about eight hours.
Despite potentially harsh temperatures and gray skies, prioritizing well-being this winter is important, and respondents were asked what their preferred way to find comfort is.
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Is the American work setup stuck in the 20th century?
More than seven in 10 employees think the American work setup is stuck in the 20th century, according to new research, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Financial Technology Association.
From the hours they work (54%) to even the way they’re paid (41%), a survey of 2,000 employed Americans revealed that it’s time to bring the workplace into the modern world.
Nearly 100 years after the inception of the Monday to Friday work week, 57% find that the traditional five-day, 9-5 no longer works for them.
Not only that, but another 67% of respondents believe that the traditional pay period of once or twice a month is also outdated.
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Will deepfake AI content influence the 2024 election?
Nearly half of American voters believe AI-generated content will negatively impact the outcome of 2024 elections (43%), according to a recent poll.
The survey of 2,000 registered American voters revealed not only that people are increasingly pessimistic about a political digital-verse full of deepfakes, but also that people can’t distinguish between AI-generated content and human-created content.
As part of the study, respondents were asked to differentiate between AI-generated images and human-created images and the majority misidentified all AI images as human-created.
On average, only a third of respondents (33%) were able to correctly spot AI-generated images.
Comparisons between AI audio and a human voice were not more promising. When an audio clip with an AI voice was played, a fifth of respondents (20%) were unsure if it was human or AI, while 41% believed the AI voice was authentically human.
Commissioned by Yubico, in partnership with Defending Digital Campaigns, and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that politics is the number one media sector that has been negatively affected by deepfakes (AI-generated content intended to mislead), according to respondents.
Over three-fourths (78%) are worried about AI-generated content being used to impersonate political candidates and spread misinformation and 45% say they’re “very concerned” about this issue.
Almost half (49%) of respondents tend to question whether political videos, interviews, and ads online are real or are deepfake content.
And seven in ten (70%) are worried that authentic and truthful political information will be lost amongst misinformation online.
“In addition to the threat of AI and deep fakes spreading misinformation, 85% of respondents don’t have a high level of confidence that political campaigns effectively protect their personal information,” said David Treece, vice president of solutions architecture at Yubico. “This can have detrimental effects on a campaign, as a loss in trust for a campaign could mean voters avoid getting involved with the electoral process, from withholding donations, to even going as far as not voting for the candidate. It’s imperative that candidates take proper steps to protect their campaign and more importantly, to build trust with voters, by adopting modern cybersecurity practices like multi-factor authentication.”
Respondents said their top cybersecurity concerns during the 2024 election season were that a politician they support will be successfully hacked spreading false information and opinions (24%) and that political campaigns don’t take cybersecurity seriously enough in general (24%).
To remedy this, registered voters would like to see campaigns and candidates taking precautions to prevent their websites from being hacked (42%), using strong security measures like multi-factor authentication on their accounts (41%), and creating cybersecurity protocols and staff training (38%).
Only 15% have a high level of confidence that political campaigns effectively protect the personal information they collect.
In fact, more than two in five respondents (43%) say they’ve shared personal information with a company or organization that’s been hacked.
And of the 60% of registered voters who have donated to a political campaign, 42% have not completed a donation transaction online due to concern about the security of the transaction and how their personal information would be handled.
Nearly a third (30%) doubt that campaigns meet their expectations for implementing cybersecurity standards to protect their personal information.
Public perception in this area has had a big influence on electoral outcomes: 36% of respondents said their opinion of a candidate would change if the candidate experienced a cybersecurity incident, like their email being hacked.
Forty-two percent of those who have donated to a campaign said their likelihood of donating again would change if the campaign was hacked and 30% report this would even change the likelihood of a candidate receiving their vote.
“Political campaigns are targets for bad actors including nation states, cybercriminals, and hacktivists. Given the high stakes this election year, the risks are even greater,” said Michael Kaiser, president and CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns. “The entire campaign staff — from the candidate down to the volunteers — should understand that they are targets and protect themselves and the campaign with the right cybersecurity tools and technology. Any breach can throw an entire campaign off course and consume precious time as the clock ticks toward election day. As this important poll shows, voters have high expectations about how campaigns protect their information.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of Americans who are registered to vote was commissioned by Yubico, in partnership with Defending Digital Campaigns, between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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Average American spends over $2,500 a year eating out
Two in three Americans (67%) feel guilty when dining out, according to a new poll.
A recent survey of 2,000 American adults revealed that tighter budgets have made eating out less enjoyable than before, with almost a quarter (23%) reporting the simple act of spending money on a meal out is stressful and 44% saying the guilt is a result of both the act of spending and the amount spent.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Habit Burger, the research found that Americans are getting creative to make the most of their money when choosing outside food options, from kids’ menu hacks to customizations and ordering off of secret menus.
In fact, three-fourths of Americans believe adults should be allowed to order from the kids’ menu (77%).
And although most think age shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a kids’ meal, only one in five have had the bravery to order off the kids’ menu (21%).
But it hasn’t always gone smoothly: A third of Americans who have tried to order off of the kids’ menu have felt embarrassed in the moment and a similar percentage have even been denied (34%).
And, a quarter of those surveyed have used a hack they’ve seen on social media to make their money go a little further when dining out (24%).
Those who have used hacks shared some of their favorite ones, like using coupons (41%), taking advantage of special offers (34%) or ordering a meal that will give them enough food for leftovers (28%).
“We've spotted a trend: Savvy adults covertly ordering off the kids’ menu to manage expenses," said Jack Hinchliffe, chief marketing officer at The Habit Burger Grill. "But why the hush-hush? We say, own it! That's why we're flipping the script by allowing grown-ups to experience kid's meals, giving them the savings you’d get from ordering a kid’s meal but without the child-size portion. It’s guilt-free savings and grown-up-sized food. Why should kids have all the fun?"
The research revealed a snapshot of Americans’ dining out tendencies and found that the average person spends more than $2,500 a year on eating out.
But nearly seven in ten Americans (67%) are currently stressed about money and 39% have decreased their dining out budget over the past year in response.
It doesn’t help that, according to nearly eight in ten respondents (78%), restaurant prices have also increased over the past year.
And for nearly half of those surveyed, payday means treating yourself: 48% said they’re more likely to eat out shortly after receiving their paycheck compared to any other time.
Yet, one in six Americans said that they always find themselves refraining from ordering the menu item they really want in favor of a cheaper item.
A third of respondents eat at least three meals out a week, with the average respondent spending $51.70 per week.
On average, those surveyed have varying tastes when it comes to dining out, eating at both fine-dining and casual restaurants twice a month.
Fast-casual restaurants are more common, at three times a month — and fast food is even more popular, with the average respondent eating this four times a month.
Ideally, those surveyed would be willing to spend $20.30 on their ideal meal, although 53% would prefer an even cheaper meal option.
"It’s tough out there right now and finding a meal that satisfies when it comes to quality and cost can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack,” said Hinchliffe. “We've stayed true to a simple philosophy: Consistently delivering fresh, chargrilled food at affordable, everyday value. It's not just about the meal; it's about an experience shared with friends or family that you can feel good about."
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by The Habit Burger between Feb. 20 and Feb. 25, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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