World's Largest Internet Study finds Germans are the Most Perfect Users

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the world's largest international study of online consumer behavior involving over 36,000 users, remarkable differences between the cultures were found, including the secret to success which appears to be simplicity.

The Webreep online consumer survey analyzed consumer behavior on the internet between May 2011 and May 2012. Participants were distributed across 7 regions, including France, Germany, Spain, Australia, China, and Russia.

The study found that Germans perceived the quality of information online to be very low: 51% lower than the French, 13% lower than the Spanish and the USA, 45% lower than the Australians, 33% lower than the Chinese, and 44% lower than the Russians.

Dr. Brent Coker, an online consumer psychologist who co-authored the report says that high expectations for information quality are linked to intrinsic motivations for precision.

"People who place high value on factual and accurate information are very accurate and precise in their behavior. The data suggests Germans are very goal directed when using the internet, and exceptionally critical of the information available," said Dr Coker.

The survey also found that Germans have low patience thresholds for download speeds, 74% less than the Americans, 70% less than the French, and 43% less than the Spanish.

"Germany has one of the more advanced broadband networks, though they have low tolerance for websites downloading. Again, this appears to be related to precise goal directed behaviour which we also have witnessed in German industry as one of the world's most successful economies," said Dr Coker.

Across all the countries included in the analysis, the study found websites with the most word-of-mouth and loyalty were simple to use.

"This could explain why phenomenally successful websites like Pinterest and Instagram have taken center stage. The Americans have the edge when it comes to producing simple websites that perform complex functions. Facebook and LinkedIn should focus on ease-of-use if they want to survive," said Dr. Coker.

Also in the report: The French the most talkative and romantic online. The Spanish have the greatest sense of style online. The Americans are the most trusting, and have the easiest to use websites. The Australians and Russians are the least satisfied.

The report can be downloaded at http://www.webreep.com/en-US/Home/WebreepReports. Webreep is the world's leading customer feedback tool.

SOURCE Webreep.com