- Kyle Chua
Study Finds Over Half of Singaporeans Say Mobile Apps, Digital Services Improve Quality of Life
Singapore continues to establish its status as smart city with digitally savvy citizens.
According to a new study by Yahoo Singapore, in collaboration with Milieu Insight, the island nation has a high usage of mobile apps and services in daily activities, including payments and transport, and these are helping improve the quality of life its citizens. No less than 84% of the study's respondents said they use these apps and services for daily activities often, and over half (54%) said these improve their quality of life.
In addition, at least 64% said the benefits of using new mobile apps and digital services outweigh their challenges and potential disruptions to daily life, while 32% were undecided about its benefits, and only 4% disagreed.
When it comes to the age, 72% of Baby Boomers said they are frequent users of mobile apps and digital services, which is not far behind the national average of 84%. This suggests that the adoption of technology is no longer limited to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z.
What's more, cash is no longer king among Singaporeans. 34% of the study's respondents ranked contactless credit, debit or prepaid cards as their most preferred payment method, followed closely by mobile e-wallets and digital payment services at 31%. Meanwhile, 54% chose cash as their least preferred option. Interestingly, 33% of Baby Boomers also ranked cash as their least preferred payment option.
The respondents also use ride-hailing services a lot, with 57% saying they use it at least once a week and a majority (52%) using them one to three times a week.
When asked to pick the top three factors when using mobile apps and digital services, the respondents prioritize ease of use and navigation, followed by adequate protection of personal data and functionality. Other less important factors include access to promotions and vouchers and appearance.
The study also found that social affluence and educational attainment levels have an effect on the frequency of use of mobile apps and services. For example, 90% of Singaporeans earning at least S$12,000 and 88% of postgraduate degree holders use mobile apps and services more often. Meanwhile, those from lower household incomes, specifically below S$3,000, use them less often. 76% from this group say they use them often, while 19% use them sometimes and only 40% of those with no formal education said they use apps often.
The study was reportedly conducted in February of this year to understand perceptions and behaviours towards mobile apps and digital services in Singapore. Over 1,500 individuals residing in Singapore, aged 18 and above, were surveyed.
Singapore has a high usage of mobile apps and services in daily activities, including payments and transport, and these are helping improve the quality of life its citizens.
No less than 84% of the study's respondents said they use these apps and services for daily activities often, and over half (54%) said these improve their quality of life.
72% of Baby Boomers said they are frequent users of mobile apps and digital services, which is not far behind the national average of 84%.