By most standards, this group is well armed for the information age. Nearly all have online access, three-quarters have cell phones, and half have broadband at home. While they check email or news online from time to time, and will even shop on the internet, they are fairly sour on the digital world. A majority feel overloaded by information and most also need help in getting their devices and services to work. Old media – the TV or landline telephone – suit them fine.

Not surprisingly, a majority think it is a good thing to take a break from the internet. In fact, only one-quarter think giving it up entirely would be very difficult, and fewer think this about the cell phone. For all these reasons, this group is labeled the Information Encumbered.