NSF News

Embargoed until 6:00 a.m., EST
News - March 10, 1999

SP 98-05
Media contact:  Bill Line  (703) 306-1070  wline@nsf.gov
Program contact:  George Strawn  (703) 306-1950  gstrawn@nsf.gov


This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

Updated Poll Finds Americans' Fear of Possible "Y2K" Problems Falls as Awareness Level Rises

Concern Voiced over Air Travel, Banking

While a growing number of Americans appear to have less overall concern from possible Year 2000 problems than those polled three months ago, concern remains high over air travel and financial account accuracy, according to a new Gallup poll conducted this past weekend.

The nationwide telephone poll, done in partnership with the National Science Foundation and USA Today, surveyed 1,021 adults between March 5 and 7. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. The March, 1999 poll is a slightly shorter version of a nationwide poll conducted in mid-December, 1998, with identical wording used in all questions in both polls.

"This updated poll shows a much higher percentage of Americans are aware of the Year 2000 issue now than just three months ago," said George Strawn, NSF's Computer Networking Division Director.

"It appears the more the public becomes aware of this issue, the less the public believes major problems might hurt them. We hope this updated poll information helps raise the American public's awareness of the Year 2000 issue, encourages Americans to further raise their level of computer literacy and reduces hasty behavior. With approximately nine months before the Year 2000, American industry, government and academia are largely aware of what they need to do to be fully prepared," Strawn added.

Over 85% of those polled say they have seen or heard "some or a great deal" about the Year 2000 computer issue, also referred to as the "Y2K bug," which arises from computers that are improperly programmed to comprehend a computer's date field correctly.

Other significant poll findings include:

  • Nearly one-quarter of those polled believe "Y2K" computer problems will last "only a few days around January 1, 2000," up from only 15% who held this view in December. However, 67% of respondents believe "Y2K" effects may last from "several weeks" or "from several months to a year";

  • While 54% (up from 47% in December) say they will avoid travelling on airplanes on or around January 1, 2000, the March poll found a drop (from 46% in December to 43% now) in respondents believing air traffic control systems will fail, putting air travel in jeopardy;

  • The March, 1999 poll found a drop (from 63% in December to 55% now) of those polled saying banking and accounting systems will fail, possibly causing errors in employee paychecks, government payments or other automated financial transactions;

  • Slightly less than one-third of those polled (down from 36% in December) say city or county "911" communication systems will fail, possibly putting citizens at risk;

  • The March, 1999 poll found a slight rise (68% to 73%) from December's level of confidence in all branches of government and those government agencies' ability to upgrade and correct "Y2K" computer problems;

  • Americans' level of confidence remained about the same in March (44% now, 48% in December) regarding their belief that foreign governments of other developed and industrialized countries will correct their own "Y2K" problem;

  • 81% (up from 76% in December) say they are not confident in Third World foreign governments or other less developed countries' ability to have upgraded their computer systems to prevent "Y2K" problems.

Despite previous media accounts of some Americans who are now preparing for food delivery or water systems to fail, the updated, March, 1999 poll found:

  • A rise-from 26% in December to 39% in March-in the number of Americans who say they will stockpile food and water and a rise in the number-17% in December to 24% in March-who say they will buy generators or wood stoves;

  • Statistically, the same number in March as in December say they will obtain special confirmation of documentation of bank account balances, retirement funds or other financial records;

  • More than eight out of ten respondents say they will not withdraw all their money from the bank; however, three out of ten say they will withdraw and set aside a large amount of cash.

NSF is an independent federal agency responsible for funding more than $3.5 billion annually of research and education in science and engineering.

-NSF-

USA Today/Gallup Poll Y2K Poll - Update #2 Topline Results are available at http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/events/fow/y2k/y2kupdate_topline.htm.

ALL MEDIA NOTE: Copies of the March, 1999 poll questions and response rates are available by calling Bill Line at NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, (703) 306-1070, or by checking NSF's website at www.nsf.gov after 9:00am, March 10th, 1999.

TELEVISION REPORTERS/PRODUCERS NOTE: NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs has Beta SP videotape copies of poll-related B-roll items and soundbites of Dr. George Strawn. Copies are available for courier pickup or for next day delivery by calling Bill Line at NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, (703) 306-1070.

 

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