Celtech Tiger — 53% now own a smartphone

Digital habits are changing the way we interact with each other.

The third Eircom Household Sentiment Survey reveals the influence of technology on our lives is greatly increasing. The survey found 53% of the population over the age of 16 (1.7 million people) now own a smartphone, from 39% only 12 months ago.

Meanwhile, one in four now have access to a tablet computer, with another 450,000 Irish people likely to purchase one by the end of the year. The survey also highlights an increasing reliance on apps as a tool for modern living.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 51% regularly rely on apps to find directions when away. Other uses include keeping up-to-date on news and sports (56%), keeping fit (28%), and travelling (41%).

It seems even when we sit in front of our TVs in the evenings we no longer switch off from the outside world. One in three people tweet and post online while watching television.

David Coleman, a clinical psychologist who worked on the survey, described this phenomenon of “media stacking” as “a fascinating behavioural trend that gives an insight into how we, as a society, will engage with technology in the future”.

According to the survey, 33% of the population do not understand new technology, in particular older generations — 45% of 50-64-year-olds and three quarters of over 65s.

Eircom consumer marketing director Lisa Comerford said: “On the one hand there is a need for education to improve a large section of the populations’ understanding of new technology, on the other, younger generations are embracing technology wholeheartedly.”