Vinyl Collectors Are Middle-Aged Loners, According to New Study

Published Aug 10, 2016

The lengthy vinyl revival continues to wreak havoc around the world as backed-up pressing plants crank out reissues. And while it's easy to blame the teens and their damn Crosley record players, a new study suggests that a great deal of vinyl collectors are middle-aged enthusiasts.Market research company YouGov took a look at 2016's vinyl buyers in the UK and discovered what just about anyone who's had a Discogs fight already knows: the majority of record enthusiasts are lonely introverts who prefer music over social interactions.Specifically, the study explained that 56 percent of vinyl enthusiasts prefer to keep their feelings to themselves, while 69 percent enjoy spending time alone. That's probably a safer bet than having to interact with philistines who use the word "vinyls," one expects.There's a chance that they're also buying records for moralistic reasons, as the poll suggests that 59 percent of vinyl fans believe illegal downloading is wrong.Further, in the UK the majority of vinyl buyers range between the ages of 45 and 54. This differs from a recent US study that suggests the majority of vinyl buyers are between the ages of 18 and 24.In other words, depending on where you live you'll find that vinyl fans are either trend-hopping teens or middle-aged loners.Thanks to FACT for the tip.