Health Apps, Surveys, Confusion...

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Centers' Internet & American Life Project in August 2011, about 11% of U.S. adult cell phone users downloaded an App that "helped them track or manage their health." Pew Research has been tracking this adult population for a year now and they recorded a 2% increase from 9% in September 2010 to 11% in August 2011....insignificant increase in their books.

So what is the issue? The issue arises in the way Pew conducted the 2 surveys. "In August 2011, the question was asked of adults who have downloaded an app to a cell phone or tablet computer, rather than all cell phone users." 29% of this population reported downloading a health app, but when looking at just adults who download apps to a cell phone, this number ends up being 11%.

Overall, the survey showed an increase from 22% in September 2009 to 38% in August 2011 for adult cell phone owners who have downloaded any type of app to their phone. Don't you just love statistics and survey's? It seems like you can make them say or not say whatever you want. 


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