A new report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals that email and searching for information about goods and services were the most prevalent internet activities in the first half of 2024. The findings, outlined in the Household Digital Consumer Behaviour 2024 Report, indicate a continued shift towards digital engagement among users.
Following email and information searches, internet or mobile banking and instant messaging ranked as the next most popular activities. The report highlights that clothing, shoes, and accessories remained the most frequently purchased items online. Interestingly, there was a noticeable gender gap in online shopping habits: 86% of females reported buying clothing and accessories online, compared to only 68% of males. In contrast, males were more inclined to purchase sports goods online.
Social networking also showed robust engagement, with nearly 75% of internet users utilizing platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and X, representing a two-percentage point increase from the same time in 2023. The trend is particularly pronounced among younger users, with 95% of individuals aged 16 to 29 engaging with social networks. Among older demographics, 48% of those aged 60 to 74 and 38% of users aged 75 and older reported using social networking sites.
The report also noted a rise in the number of individuals ordering ready-made food online in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Additionally, approximately 40% of internet users made online appointments or reservations with public authorities or services, such as passport applications and hospital appointments.
The usage of free apps remained widespread, with 85% of internet users having engaged with them. However, over 40% of users reported difficulties when attempting to delete or close these apps. Online learning continues to grow, with a higher proportion of males participating in online courses than females.
Streaming services also remain popular, with nearly 70% of internet users accessing film, TV, or sports content through platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, GAAGO, and Sky Sports. Overall, the report indicates that 93% of those surveyed had used the internet in the past three months, an increase from 92% in 2023. Only 1% reported using the internet infrequently, while 6% stated they had never used it.
Maureen Delamere, a statistician in the CSO Social Analysis Division, emphasized the ongoing digital transformation of everyday life, noting that both finding information about goods and services and email have emerged as top internet activities in early 2024. She pointed out that the use of email has increased by one percentage point, while searches for goods and services climbed by four percentage points compared to the same period last year.