Web speeds cause temper tantrums

Seven out of 10 people admit to losing their patience and getting angry if they have to wait longer than a minute for a web page to load, claims a study by ISP TalkTalk.

Though web rage isn't a new phenomenon, increased broadband speeds have led many to expect pages to load quickly meaning they lose their rag when facing delays.

And 19 per cent of 18- to 44-year-olds admit to having thrown something in anger after losing their patience.

The study also found that these expectations are making people less patient in the offline world as well. Those brought up with the internet have a lower 'point of impatience' than the elderly.

People now reach their 'point of impatience' if they are on hold on the phone for more than five minutes and four seconds, if their food doesn't arrive at a restaurant within eight minutes and 38 seconds and if someone doesn't reply to a text or voicemail within 13 minutes and 16 seconds.

Being 10 minutes and one second late to meet someone can cause them to get angry too.

The research also found that 37 per cent of customers would cancel a service if they are made to wait too long for it.

Mark Schmid, communications director at TalkTalk said: "The speed of the online world is making us less prepared to wait for things to happen in the offline world. As the internet continues to quicken up it's bound to place greater expectations on the offline world too."

However, research earlier in the year found that computer rage can actually combat stress.

Do you get computer rage? Share your views in the Web User Forums.

Great Christmas savings when you subscribe to Web User magazine. Order now and save up to 30%.