U.S. households continue to be filled with technology, though the number of entertainment and smart home devices has seen a slight decline. On average, households now have 22 connected devices, a drop from 25 in 2021.
Remote activities remain common. Among surveyed consumers, 45% reported that at least one household member worked from home part-time, a decrease from 55% in 2021. Similarly, 23% said a household member attended virtual school part-time, down from 43% in 2021.
Virtual healthcare remains a preferred option, with 49% of respondents attending at least one online medical appointment as a patient in the last year.
Over 60% of students who participated in virtual schooling last year said their family relationships, as well as connections with classmates and teachers, either stayed the same or improved.
More than half of those surveyed expressed concerns about the security risks of their smartphones (54%) and smart home devices (52%). Additionally, 40% worry about data security on their smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Managing technology remains a challenge for some. While 24% of consumers said they feel overwhelmed by the devices and subscriptions they have to handle, this is a decrease from 32% last year. For smart home users, 27% said these devices add too much complexity to their lives.
Why This Matters
In the past years, work, school, healthcare, and even exercise became virtual, prompting people to adopt new devices, upgrade their networks, and adapt quickly, though it often felt overwhelming.
Consumers Look To “Master Their Digital Worlds”
Today, fewer people are working or studying from home, resulting in less crowded households and reduced strain on devices and networks. Consumers are finding ways to balance virtual and physical experiences, focusing on the digital tools and virtual activities they find most beneficial.
Over the past year, 15% of consumers with home internet upgraded their service to achieve faster speeds. Additionally, 44% purchased equipment like Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks to improve coverage throughout their homes. Of these, 87% reported better Wi-Fi performance.
Smart home technology also provides practical benefits. Among users, 68% say these devices make them feel safer, and 69% of those with smart thermostats report reduced energy costs.
Consumers Appreciate 5g, But Many Still Seek Apps And Experiences Specially Designed For 5g
When buying their next smartphone, consumers rank 5G as the third most important feature, following battery life and data storage. For the 24% of respondents likely to switch mobile providers in the next year, 5G is the second-biggest motivator, just behind getting better value for money.
Among respondents with smartphones purchased within the last year, 68% report having 5G capability, an increase from 56% in 2021. Of those using 5G, 48% say the service surpasses their expectations, while 45% feel it meets them.
However, 73% of 5G users want more clarity on how 5G can enhance their experiences and 30% express disappointment due to a lack of innovative apps and services that fully utilize 5G technology.
Work-From-Home Has Decreased But Remains An Important Component Of Today’s Work Life
In 2022, remote work declined but remained an important part of daily life. Forty-five percent of surveyed consumers reported that at least one household member worked from home part-time, down from 55% in 2021. Additionally, 47% of employed adults said they personally worked from home at least occasionally over the past year. Many of those with remote work experience strongly favor virtual or hybrid work arrangements for the future.
Among remote workers, 99% found aspects of the experience to be positive. The most appreciated benefits included skipping the commute, greater comfort, reduced risk of illness, improved focus, and stronger family connections.
More than 80% of remote workers reported that their family and professional relationships, as well as their physical and mental health, either improved or stayed the same. Seventy-six percent of employed adults who worked from home in the past year prefer to continue with virtual or hybrid options, while only 21% would rather work mostly or entirely in person.
Perspectives On Virtual Learning Differ With Age And Experience
Home-based education has declined more sharply than remote work, with 23% of consumers reporting that at least one household member was still participating in remote learning part-time, down from 43% in 2021. Ninety-seven percent of remote learners and their parents acknowledged some positive aspects of the experience. The most common benefits mirrored those of remote work: increased comfort, fewer health risks, no commute, improved focus, and stronger family connections.
Fifty-one percent of remote learners said their family relationships improved, and over 70% reported that their emotional well-being, physical health, and relationships with teachers either improved or remained stable. However, 36% noted that their relationships with classmates had declined.
Views on virtual learning varied based on age and experience. Among students aged 14-17, 54% preferred being mostly or entirely in-person after the pandemic, while 46% wanted virtual or hybrid options. Adult learners aged 18 and older leaned more toward virtual learning, with 60% favoring virtual or hybrid arrangements and 40% preferring in-person education. Among those with recent remote learning experience, 41% favored mostly or fully virtual learning, 29% preferred a balanced hybrid approach, and 28% wanted to return to being primarily or fully in-person. Teens and adults with remote learning experiences had similar preferences.
Smartphones And Wearables Boost Fitness
Forty-nine percent of consumers reported attending at least one virtual medical appointment as a patient over the past year, with millennials leading the way at 59%. Satisfaction with virtual healthcare has risen, with 92% of respondents now saying they are very or somewhat satisfied – an increase of 10 points compared to 2021. Convenience and ease of scheduling were cited as the biggest advantages. However, challenges such as the lack of face-to-face interaction, issues collecting vital signs, and connectivity problems were noted.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers continue to gain popularity. Forty-one percent of respondents said they own one of these devices, up two points from 2021, and 60% reported having them in their households.
At least one-third of smartphone users monitor their health and fitness through their phones, and 20% use meditation or mental wellness apps. Nine in 10 owners of smartwatches or fitness trackers use them to track health metrics. The most common activities include counting steps, monitoring pulse rates, tracking calories and nutrition, checking heart health, and tracking sleep. Over a third of users receive reminders or badges to encourage exercise.
Alleviating Consumer Concerns
While many consumers believe their devices and virtual experiences have a positive impact on their lives, concerns about privacy, screen time, and tech complexity remain significant.
Security and Privacy Concerns
Half of the respondents worry about security breaches, such as hackers stealing personal information, while 41% are concerned about being monitored through their devices. Nearly 49% of smart home users are anxious about hackers gaining control of their devices, like altering thermostat settings.
Screen Time Struggles
Both parents and children face challenges in managing screen time, but teens feel the issue more strongly. While 50% of parents find it hard to limit their kids' screen time, 60% of teens aged 14-17 admitted they struggle with controlling their own.
Tech Fatigue
Twenty-four percent of consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of devices and subscriptions they manage, an improvement from 32% last year. For smart home technology, 27% of users reported that these devices add unnecessary complexity to their lives.
