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Updated Poll Finds Americans' Fear of Possible "Y2K" Problems Falls as Awareness Level RisesConcern Voiced over Air Travel, BankingWhile 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:
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:
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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