Internet access is a requirement for modern living with many aspects of day-to-day life embracing technological developments. In Canada, it is estimated that almost 95% of the population has internet access and more than 36 million of the population of 40 million enjoy mobile internet access through mobile devices like smartphones.
As more and more services move online, internet usage trends shift. We take a look at some of the favourite online activities for Canadians below.
1. Gambling & Gaming
It is estimated that 20% of Canadians enjoy gaming and gambling online, with a selection of operators making the most of a growing market by providing state-of-the-art, immersive experiences.
While gaming platforms can be accessed by anyone, Canadian provinces operate individual online gambling regulations. This has limited access to licensed online casinos to some extent, but there are alternatives.
Online gambling expert Andreea Stanescu explains how to navigate online casino sites that offer Canadian consumers a wide variety of games, a choice of payment methods, mobile-friendly interfaces, and enticing incentives.
2. Communication
Communication is one of the biggest uses of the internet for Canadians with 82% using email. Instant messaging and video chats have also become an important part of how people communicate socially and for work.
Email correspondence has become second nature for many, and global events in recent years have seen more people working remotely and contacting colleagues via online messaging or video services.
3. Social Media
Another popular form of communication is through social media, with many people having profiles across a variety of platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.
Starting as a way for people to connect and stay in touch with family and friends, social media has grown to become an all-encompassing platform where people can find entertainment and news.
It has also developed into a valuable marketing tool with businesses able to communicate directly to followers or advertise to targeted demographics.
54% of Canadians regularly use social media and the proliferation of smartphones and improving connectivity has made it easier for people to log on and see what’s happening.
4. Banking
Banking apps have revolutionized the way people handle their finances. Traditional banking methods are still available but are becoming increasingly more difficult with banks scaling back physical services.
The high costs associated with running a physical banking operation have led to many of the world’s biggest banks streamlining operations by keeping flagship branches and closing down small-town services.
The majority of personal banking needs can now be carried out online with dedicated apps focusing on the user experience and security.
5. Shopping
E-commerce offers consumers incredible levels of convenience, and the likes of Amazon have completely changed the shopping habits of consumers around the world. In Canada, 44% of its citizens shop online and this figure will rise as more people experience the benefits.
While shopping in person gives people the opportunity to check products in real life, online services are at a point now where consumers can often receive products within a day and return them free of charge if they aren’t suitable.
One of the key reasons many Canadians prefer shopping online is that you can easily compare prices and find the best deals. Online grocery shopping can also make things easier for people with busy lifestyles who don’t have time to hit the store after work or around family commitments.
6. Streaming
The internet has opened up the world of entertainment for users with an estimated 38% of Canadians regularly streaming movies and TV shows and a further 31% regularly listening to music and podcasts online.
Streaming platforms have become part and parcel of the delivery of entertainment in the modern era. Most consumers have moved away from physical media, with platforms like Netflix and Spotify making it easy for consumers to find TV shows, movies, and music from massive libraries.
7. Work-Related Use
Many Canadians use the internet directly for work-related projects, with research being more accessible via online search engines. The internet has also been pivotal in transforming how we search for jobs.
Sites like Indeed and Job Bank allow users to upload CVs and apply for suitable roles, while Linked In has combined job sites like these with social media to create a platform where people can find out about new roles or headhunt potential new staff members.
8. Learning
The use of online training courses has helped many businesses streamline their training, while online learning is also on the rise with people able to fit it in around busy schedules at a time that suits them.
Conclusion
As technology continues to improve, the ways that Canadians spend their time online will develop. More sectors are welcoming the ability to reach more people and minimize costs by moving online wherever possible, and this will have a lasting long-term effect on people’s relationship with internet use.
