Mobile Consumer habits during the covid-19 pandemic

Written by  Arita Talla

The surge in mobile habits during the COVID-19 pandemic can be chalked up to a mix of factors. With lockdowns and social distancing, our reliance on mobile devices for remote classes, virtual hangouts, and work-from-home setups skyrocketed. As traditional entertainment options took a back seat, mobile platforms became our go-to for streaming, gaming, and staying connected. The shift to online shopping and the whole contactless payment scene got a boost, making mobile commerce and payment apps a big deal. The whole fitness app craze also took off with everyone suddenly obsessed with health. The constant need for up-to-date pandemic info pushed us to news apps. Businesses jumped on the bandwagon, sprucing up or creating mobile apps. Ultimately, technology became our coping buddy during these unpredictable times.

What about school?

With schools moving to online learning and lockdowns restricting outdoor activities, children spent most of their time on mobile devices for educational and entertainment purposes. This led to an overall increase in screen time for kids.

The pandemic totally shook up the school scene! Suddenly, everything went online, and we had to trade classrooms for Zoom calls. It was like a crash course in learning how to navigate Google Docs and figure out the mute button. Some of us loved the flexibility of studying in our PJs, while others really missed the buzz of the school hallways. But one thing's for sure – it made us realize that not everyone has the same access to cool tech stuff. Plus, tests and assignments got a makeover, and we had to get creative with how we showed what we knew. It's been a wild ride, and now we're all just trying to keep up with the ever-changing school game!

“Here is much work to be done, and the challenges for students, educators, and parents are considerable. But this may be a moment when decades of educational reform, intervention, and research pay off. Relying on what we have learned could show the way forward” (Kuhfeld 2022).

What about work?

With lockdowns and work-from-home measures in place, there was a surge in overall mobile device usage. People relied on their smartphones for work, communication, entertainment, and information.

The pandemic totally shook up the professional scene! Everyone's into this remote work thing now, and it's like offices are so last year. Virtual meetings and online collaboration tools are the new cool. Even job interviews and onboarding happen on the internet. It's not just about working from home; it's about being flexible and balancing life with work. I guess we're all becoming experts at adapting and rolling with the changes. And you've got to stay on top of your game by learning new stuff because things are moving fast. The whole job scene just got a major makeover!

What about our social life?

Social media apps played a crucial role in maintaining social connections during periods of isolation. Video calls, messaging apps, and social networking platforms became vital for staying connected with friends and family.

The pandemic has totally shaken up our social lives. With lockdowns and all, everything went online, from classes to hanging out. Face-to-face chats turned into video calls, and the highlight of our day became virtual quizzes and online gaming sessions. It's like we've all become experts in navigating Zoom and Google Meet. The struggle to maintain a social life while stuck at home has made us appreciate the importance of friendships and connections. Sure, it's been challenging, but it's also forced us to get creative with how we stay in touch. Who knew we'd be this reliant on technology for our social fix? It's like the pandemic pushed us to fast-forward into a digital age of friendships and interactions.

“Technologically speaking, digital connections create new ways of working and collaborating with others across long distances, which for many is a huge and lasting benefit of the pandemic”(Pelland 2023)

What about shopping?

With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, physical stores faced restrictions on the number of customers they could accommodate. Many consumers turned to online shopping as a safer and more convenient alternative.

The pandemic forced people to shop online more due to safety concerns and lockdowns. With in-person shopping limited, e-commerce became a go-to option. Businesses adapted by improving their online services, and consumers embraced the convenience of shopping from home. This shift highlighted the importance of a strong online presence for businesses in today's retail landscape.

“The pandemic has pushed more shoppers online, with e-commerce now accounting for 16.1% of all U.S. sales, up from 11.8% in the first quarter and this trend is likely to stick, even as brick-and-mortar stores open their doors again” (J.P Morgan, 2020)

References:

How COVID–19 has transformed consumer spending habits. J.P. Morgan. (2020, November 23). https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/retail/covid-spending-habits

kpelland99. (2023, March 9). How has the pandemic changed you?. Oregon Health News Blog. https://covidblog.oregon.gov/how-has-the-pandemic-changed-you/#:~:text=Some%20people%20spent%20less%20time,be%20alone%2C%20such%20as%20grandparents

Megan Kuhfeld, J. S., Lindsay Dworkin, K. L., Hansen, M., & Rosalia Dalton, N. Z. (2023, June 27). The pandemic has had devastating impacts on learning. what will it take to help students catch up?. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-pandemic-has-had-devastating-impacts-on-learning-what-will-it-take-to-help-students-catch-up/