Survey: Many consumers will anonymously share data

Austin, Texas -- A majority of Americans would be comfortable divulging information about themselves anonymously to their favorite stores (60%) or a product brand (56%), and close to half would anonymously share personal data to an app (46%). According to a new national survey from Wearables.com and The Center for Generational Kinetics, some consumers will also share personal information in exchange for certain benefits.



Many of those surveyed would provide information to receive notifications about events or concerts (18%) or stores or restaurants near them that they'd enjoy (18%), learn the real-time location of their friends (15%), or gain entrance to an event without having to show an ID or ticket (15%).



Nearly one in five would exchange information to earn rewards every time they walk into a store (19%), receive notifications about deals at a store they're in (19%), or get recommendations for items they'd like based on past purchases or recent searches (18%). In addition, more than one-third of social media users would be open about their purchasing habits, such as what stores they visited (48%), or what they purchased online (34%).



The survey also measured consumer attitudes about wearable technology. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed have already considered purchasing a wearable item, with more men than women motivated to use wearable technology if it made them appear to be smarter or more attractive.



Of those surveyed, consumers in the Millennial generation are more likely than non-Millennials (77% vs. 54%) to consider purchasing a wearable item. Americans who would want a co-branded wearable device are most likely to crave Nike smart clothing (37%), Ray Ban smartsunglasses (36%), a Rolex smartwatch (33%), or a Canon wearable camera (30%), if they existed. In fact, one-third (33%) would want to wear a piece of fashionable jewelry that doubles as a device with Internet access.