A NEW study by Telenor Asia’s, titled “Digital Lives Decoded,” revealed that people across Asia are united in their common appreciation for the benefits of an “always-on” life, where mobile connectivity enriches relationships, delivers convenience and makes it easier for people to participate in the digital economy.
The study, released in conjunction with Telenor’s 25th anniversary in Asia, surveyed over 8,000 mobile internet users across eight countries — Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — in South and Southeast Asia.
The survey further revealed that a resounding 93 percent of respondents believe that their mobile usage improves the quality of life. Overall, women lead this trend with 64 percent saying their life is significantly enhanced compared to 52 percent of men. Nearly all consumers surveyed have their mobile device with them for at least half of the day, and 1 in 5 are never without their phone. Furthermore, the majority of respondents surveyed feel they strike a good balance on their use of technology (76 percent).
Empowering and inclusive
The study also points to the greater potential women see in mobile usage, with more women than men saying mobile connectivity has enhanced their options for working and generating income and given them better access to information and education opportunities. Interestingly, Singapore is the only country where this trend is reversed with more males (54 percent) than females (49 percent) finding that mobile usage considerably improves their lives.
Respondents also recognize how mobile connectivity is inclusive, giving people greater access to essential services, such as education (88 percent) and health care services (88 percent) which enrich their daily lives.
However, it is in the area of financial inclusion where mobile usage is really leveling the playing field. More than 90 percent of respondents say mobile usage has increased their access to financial services while more than half (57 percent) believe their access to financial services has “significantly improved.” It is also worth noting the disparity between responses of those living in cities (60 percent) and rural areas (50 percent), which highlights the ongoing need to broaden the reach of these services to those outside the urban areas.
The study likewise discloses optimism about the potential for mobile technology to advance environmental sustainability. Three-quarters of those surveyed believe that digital access is “very important” for them to lead greener lives in the future. Still, there were also differences across markets with the lowest in Thailand (63 percent), Malaysia (57 percent) and Singapore (41 percent).
People cited the greatest benefits come in the areas of reducing paper, waste and electricity consumption; being able to communicate issues more efficiently; and providing better access to public transport with more information (55 percent). Nevertheless, this does not take into consideration that surging data use would translate to higher energy consumption.
Gaps remain
As connectivity puts power into the hands of people, the latest Telenor study also revealed digital gaps remain, particularly in rural and elderly populations. With mobile connectivity evolving from a nice-to-have to a must-have, the need to understand these gaps is becoming more important to policymakers, businesses and individuals alike. Insights from the present study could thus serve as a guide in bridging the widest digital divides.
Concerns around privacy and security of mobile devices also surfaced for 93 percent of respondents across the region, amid a well-recognized surge in digital adoption. Among those who reduced their mobile usage in the past year, 1 in 3 Gen Z respondents in Malaysia cited privacy and security concerns as the top reason for the decline. Conversely, people in Thailand were least concerned, with nearly a quarter of respondents undaunted at all.
Generational differences in how people feel about the surge in time spent online also came to the fore. Gen Z respondents, the youngest surveyed, are even more likely to feel that they are overusing technology. Along with their millennial counterparts, Gen Z respondents expressed concerns about having the right skills to keep up with technology. This concern was shared across generations, with 85 percent of respondents worried that their digital skills would not keep pace with a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Telenor, a leading global telecommunications company, is committed to supporting the national digital ambitions of the Asian markets to empower societies.
.