Poll says Y2K fears declining/b>

By Jim Norman, USA TODAY

Growing awareness of the Y2K computer-bug threat is making people less concerned about a catastrophe but more likely to take action to protect themselves, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll for the National Science Foundation shows.

Only 21% now expect major problems in 2000, when many computers may be unable to interpret a date ending in two zeroes. That's down from 34% three months ago.

Although concerns are lessening, more people are planning to take precautions:

A majority, 54%, now say they will avoid air travel around Jan. 1, compared with 47% in December.

24% say they will buy a generator or wood stove; 17% said so in December.

The poll also shows that news stories about the Y2K threat, including the report last week by a special Senate committee, have heightened awareness. Now a majority, 56%, say they have seen or heard "a great deal" about the problem. Only 39% had in December.

"The more the public becomes aware of this issue, the less the public believes major problems might hurt them," says George Strawn of the science foundation.

The foundation is sponsoring the poll as part of an effort to educate the public about Y2K.

John Koskinen, the federal Y2K czar, calls the poll "reassuring."

"People seem to have a pretty good handle on the problem," he says. " There's some real concern, but it's not the-world-is-going-to-end concern."

The poll also shows that, despite the changes, many people's basic views are similar to what they believed three months ago:

Most are confident that all levels of government along with major corporations will have any problems solved before the end of the year. More than four out of five lack confidence, however, that less developed countries will be able to cope with the threat.

55% still say it's likely that banking and accounting systems will fail; 43% say it's likely that air traffic control systems will fail; and 40% say grocery and other store shortages are likely.

Koskinen warns that there is still work to do. "We need to focus on what's happening in 'my neighborhood.' "

The poll of 1,021 adults on March 5-7 has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

-- Vinnie (mail@bomb.com), March 10, 1999

bold off

-- Justme (Just@notherY2kperson.com), March 10, 1999.

Ummmhmmm. And WJC's popularity is still increasing too. Can't wait for it to top 100%... .

-- nobody (nobody@home.org), March 10, 1999.

24% of the population can't buy a generator or wood stove. That's 50 million adult people, easy. There simply aren't enough to go around. Not mentioned are the figures regarding the percentage who are going to take their money out of the banks - was at 32%, last I heard. There isn't enough money in the banks to go around.

Got panic?

You will, you will...

-- sparks (wireless@home.com), March 10, 1999.

Heard the poll on the radio this morning...18 percent....down from 34 percent who think Y2K will impact them..... Ain't it wonderful how the nedia can spin things?

-- Donna Barthuley (moment@pacbell.net), March 10, 1999.

The government wants the herd to settle down. There are greener pastures ahead when you trot across that barbed wire bridge to the 21st Century. Can't you see it now? Lush sweet grasses, and all you can eat! Moooo...

I can't. I've tried. We're being lied to, and it's an insult to my limited intelligence. Those with higher mental acuity should be even more insulted! :)

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), March 10, 1999.

Today the DOW did not top 10,000. Do you feel more secure?

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), March 12, 1999.

whatever people think will make no difference as long as they don't use their complacency to avoid the necessary preparation whether it is working on y2k or avoiding the consequences

don't be fooled by the mas of good news that will be forthcoming, of course 80% +? will be ready, all you need is 5% + of companies to close to cause a major recession

-- dick of the dale (richard_dale@coynet.com), March 13, 1999.