<https://www.rte.ie/author/883835-brian-odonovan/> By Brian O'Donovan
Work & Technology Correspondent
There has been a jump in the number of people who would like to reduce the
amount of time they spend on their smartphones, according to new research
from Deloitte.
The Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends report shows that two-thirds of adults
wish they spent less time on their devices, up significantly from 51% a year
ago.
Three-quarters of those surveyed said they check their smartphones as soon
as they wake up, compared with 59% a year ago.
A total of 98% of 18 to 75-year-olds use their smartphone every day, with
more than a third doing so during mealtimes.
The survey shows the percentage of people who check their phone at least 50
times a day remains at 36%, while the percentage who check theirs at least
100 times is also unchanged at 16%.
A total of 96% of respondents said they own a smartphone, up from 94% last
year.
Mobile phones are now the preferred device for browsing shopping websites,
making online purchases, online searches, banking and playing games.
Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the smartphone market.
A total of 37% of adults said they own an Apple phone and 38% own a Samsung
phone.
Apple remains the most popular brand among 18 to 34-year-olds.
"While many people wish they could reduce the extensive amount of time they
spend on their smartphones, it is clear that they are the preferred devices
for everything from banking to online search, browsing, playing games and
shopping," said John Kehoe, partner, Consumer & Technology Business audit
and assurance group at Deloitte.
"People are now increasingly using their phones to make in-person payments
and our survey shows many would also like to use them for identity
identification too, which is something that is likely to become possible in
the future," Mr Kehoe said.
The research shows there has been an increase in the number of people who
own wearables, such as smartwatches, Smart TVs and video doorbells.
When it comes to streaming services, Netflix remains the market leader.
A quarter of respondents cancelled a video streaming service in the last 12
months with the main reason being that it wasn't used enough.
More than a third of subscription holders said they share access to their
accounts between two or more households.
The Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends report is an annual survey of consumers
which explores their digital usage and attitudes towards technology.
The survey of 1,000 people was carried out in August 2023.
RTÉ Technology.
