Techno rage is costing the UK millions

Ever smashed a handset in anger at being put on hold? Ever broken your keyboard in a moment of techno rage? You're not alone...

The most annoying thing in people's everyday life is being put on hold while on the phone, according to the findings of the latest survey. And the population of the UK is not accepting this pain with good grace. According to research commissioned by online bank Cahoot, rage is responsible for around £16bn of damages every year - with people pushed too far lashing out at everything from crockery to expensive computer equipment. While traditional annoyances - such as queuing - feature heavily, technology is becoming an increasingly key factor in the frustrations of everyday life. Despite the fact it is supposed to make our lives easier. Top of high-tech list of hates is the call centre experience. Although companies have spent millions over the past few years on implementing costly CRM projects, more than 50 per cent of respondents said being put on hold and messed around by automated phone systems drives them to distraction. The average man accounts for £440 worth of anger-damaged goods per year. Women are only slightly less short-tempered - doing £400 worth of damage per year.