TORONTO — As further confirmation that Canadians’ use of technology at home has increased in recent weeks, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) released the results of a survey Tuesday showing use of video streaming and communication apps in particular has exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The survey, conducted between April 17 to 19, 2020, found 53% of respondents are watching streaming video content from services such as Netflix and Disney+ more often now than the previous month, and 46% are watching more live TV now than previously. In addition, 17% of Canadians are using a new streaming service for the first time and 11% are using a new streaming service that offers live TV options such as Crave and YouTube TV, according to the survey.
Furthermore, 43% of Canadian households are using videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime more often now, while nearly half are using social media apps more often.
“Use of video communication and social media apps has skyrocketed across the world and Canada is no exception,” said Lesley Rohrbaugh, director of research for CTA, in the news release. “As people stay at home, many are willing to try new products and services and tech is enabling them to do so. The current crisis may have long-lasting impacts on Canadians’ use of technology, with more than two in five (43%) saying they anticipate continued use of these products and services once the Covid-19 outbreak has subsided.”
The CTA survey also shows 22% of Canadians are using online delivery services for household items more often during the pandemic, while nearly half say they have either used contactless delivery services or plan to use them in the future.
Other survey findings include:
- 65% of respondents say at-home technologies have helped them to feel less isolated while quarantined at home;
- 62% now appreciate how important it is to have up-to-date technology products in their home;
- 61% agree the ability to purchase products online has been a huge convenience during the Covid-19 crisis; and
- 58% indicate their use of online services has increased greatly as a result of being at home.
The survey was designed and formulated by CTA, which produces the annual CES tradeshow in Las Vegas. The study was administered to an online sample of 1,000 Canadians aged 18+ between April 17 and 19, 2020.
