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Introduction

Our study of consumer technology trends examines how US households are adjusting their use of mobile devices, wearables, and smart home technology as pandemic restrictions begin to ease. With fewer people working and learning from home, the house is less crowded, and many of the acute challenges we noted in 2021 have subsided to a degree. Consumers can now be intentional about which activities to do virtually and which in-person, and they're reporting that tech-enabled work, school, fitness, and health care—in the right measure—are making their lives better, healthier, and more fulfilling.

Key findings

1

Digital life includes a new mix of devices

The vast majority of 5G phone users—92%—said the service meets or exceeds expectations. However, consumers are still not sure what new things 5G enables. Nearly three-quarters want a better understanding of 5G’s functionality, and 30% are disappointed with a perceived lack of innovative apps and services. Two-thirds said they’re interested in premium service bundles that make better use of 5G, which is exciting news for mobile providers and tech companies.

92%

of consumers say that 5G service meets or exceeds their expectations.

Illustration of a man holding a mug and a phone containing random grid lines

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key finding two

92%

of consumers say that 5G service meets or exceeds their expectations.

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I am planning to buy a new phone this year because:

Longer battery life

More data capacity

5G capability

Larger screen size

Specific brand

I may switch mobile providers this year because:

Better value for the money

5G service

Good deals on a new phone

Better network performance

Better plan and contract options

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2

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Work from home seems here to stay

Forty-five percent of respondents said one or more household members were working from home at least some of the time. While most of the challenges cited last year have eased, half or more workers say their family relationships and physical or emotional well-being have improved by working from home. And nearly all workers (99%) like aspects of working from home—with lack of commute, comfort, safety from illness, better focus on work, and better family connection topping the list of benefits. Going forward, 75% of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options even after the pandemic winds down.

75%

of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options going forward.

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key finding two

75%

of remote workers want virtual or hybrid options going forward.

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Top benefits of remote work:

No commute to work

Increased comfort

Reduced risk of COVID-19

Improved focus on work

Better connection with family

Top challenges of remote work:

Personal responsibilities during work

Feeling stressed or burned out

Poor internet connection

Working longer hours

Video conferencing difficulties

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3

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Telehealth engagement and satisfaction is high

About half of US consumers have attended at least one virtual medical appointment as a patient in the past year, and 26% accompanied someone else to a virtual appointment. The vast majority are satisfied with the experience, and consumers intend to use virtual health care even after the pandemic, depending on the use case. For chronic or ongoing conditions, 45% of respondents are interested in a virtual or hybrid approach. For annual physicals, the number falls to 24%, with most preferring an in-person experience.

48%

of consumers are very satisfied with virtual medical experiences.

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key finding two

48%

of consumers are very satisfied with virtual medical experiences.

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Top benefits of telehealth:

Increased convenience

Reduced risk of COVID-19

Ease of scheduling appointments

Increased frequency of visits

N/A

Top challenges of telehealth:

Lack of in-person connection

Reduced thoroughness of exams

Connectivity issues

Inability to collect vital signs

Difficulty using the app or service

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4

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Wearables deliver measurable health benefits

Ownership of smartwatches and fitness trackers is inching upward, with consumers using them to track fitness and monitor health, particularly steps, pulse rate, calories, heart health, and sleep. At least seven in 10 said their smartwatches/fitness trackers have improved their fitness and health—with three in 10 saying their devices have made their fitness and health “significantly better.” Device makers have recently made it easier to share health data, and most device owners (55%) said they share the data with their medical providers, either through an app, during in-person visits, by text, or via email.

70%

of respondents say their smartwatches or fitness trackers have improved their health.

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key finding two

70%

of respondents say their smartwatches or fitness trackers have improved their health.

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Other uses for my wearables:

Texting

Phone calls

Calendar alerts

Listen to music and podcasts

Social media alerts

I don't have one because:

Cost

Not useful

Don't know enough about them

Too hard to use

Privacy/security concerns

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Dive deep into the 2022 Connectivity and mobile trends

To understand consumer attitudes toward “digital life,” we conducted a survey of 2,005 US consumers. Aspects of digital life that we surveyed include devices, connectivity, virtual experiences, wearables, and challenges of managing one's digital life.

Get connected

Paul Silverglate

Paul Silverglate

Vice chair, Deloitte US Technology

sector leader

Partner, US Executive Accelerators

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Paul Silverglate email Paul Silverglate linkedIn
Jana Arbanas

Jana Arbanas

Vice chair, US Telecommunications,

Media & Entertainment (TM&E) leader

Deloitte LLP

Jana Arbanas email Jana Arbanas linkedIn
Jeff Loucks

Jeff Loucks

Executive director, Deloitte Center

for Technology, Media &

Telecommunications

Deloitte Services LP

Jeff Loucks email Jeff Loucks linkedIn

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