This slideshow details important findings, statistics and information on the impact of the Internet and new technology on consumers.

1. The impact
of emerging
technology
and its
affect on
consumers.
Emily Florence - Assignment 2, Task 1
“I WANT A
REFUND!!”

2. The internet and new technology has had an immense impact on the lives of
consumers and businesses alike.
Unfortunately, with the rise of the Internet and E-commerce, people expect
instant gratification. Consumers are increasing their demands and standards
which is putting pressure on businesses to offer a premium service at
increasingly faster and affordable rates.
New technology has opened the doors to many opportunities and possibilities,
both good and bad.
We will explore these effects in the following slides.
Introduction

3. 41% of adults are now
online, the wifi is invented
and Google’s first domain
is registered in 1997.
1998
The World Wide Web is
released to the public,
free of charge.
The first ever browser
‘Mosaic’ is launched.
Apple introduces web
browsing for iPhones.
Social Media becomes
popular in 2010's
There are now 4.54
billion internet users who
spend an average of 6
hours and 43 minutes
online each day.
1993
2020 - Present
2003/2004 2007
Access To The Internet
January 1st 1983: The internet is born!
MySpace and
Facebook are created,
revolutionising the
way we connect with
eachother.
(Šlekytė, I, 2023)

4. Digital Devices Used By Audiences
1980 - early 2000s 2007 - present 2015 - present
From bulky computers used in the 1980s to slim smartphones and smart watches, we
can see that portability and convenience has been a driving factor in regards to
technological innovation when serving consumers (alongside technological
advancement and device capabilities.)

5. Top search engines like Google are frequently updating
their algorithms to optimise search results and user
experience. (Morock, N and Starke, J - ROIRevolution 2024)
Brands rely heavily on traffic from search engines. E-
commerce businesses and brick and mortar stores rely on
online traffic to raise awareness, and as part of the sales
funnel.
Over 50% of consumers say they use their mobile phone
when searching a question online, and mobile phones are
the most commonly used device when shopping online too.
(Iskiev, M - Hubspot 2023)
How Customers Search For Information
how do people find information
Search Engines

6. Is typing too much effort?
Voice search companions like
Siri and Alexa are becoming
increasingly popular, being used
daily by more than 50% of
adults worldwide. (Mosby, A
2024)
How Customers Search For Information
“Alexa, who won the world cup?”

7. According to a study published in 2011 by Martin
Hilbert in Science (Hilbert and López 2011), 95
percent of all information existing in the planet
is digitised and almost all of it is accessible on
the Internet and other computer networks.
How Customers Search For Information
DID YOU KNOW?

8. How Customers Search For Information
For business owners, one of the main
impacts is consumers raising their
expectations due to an abundance of
product options. Customers can also leave
verified, unbiased reviews which can
influence new customers’ buying decisions.
Before, a business itself would control the
narrative of its brand and products. Now, its
frequently the case that consumers are in
control of what people perceive a brand or
product to be. Information from fellow
consumers is often discovered through
online sources like verified customer reviews
and unsponsored review videos. (Carpentier,
C - United Nations Economist Network. N/D)
The impact of easily accessible information is both positive and
negative

9. What Consumers Buy Online
Millions of physical products are sold online everyday, such as
clothing, furniture and food. 51% of people spend more money
online, compared to just 39% who spend more in store (Whistl,
2018)
A World Of Access

10. What Consumers Buy Online
This opens new discussions about the change on consumers day-to-
day lives, with the need for human contact being almost eradicated
to complete these tasks, how is this affecting our social lives,
society, traditions and more?
The rise of the internet and social media has allowed for less
conventional transactions - people can now buy anything from
downloadable apps/songs, spiritual readings, hotel
stays/accommodation, property and even psychological therapy and
GP consultations can be bought online.
How much choice is too much?

11. What Consumers Buy Online
How is the move to digital affecting our mental health, social life
and buying habits?
The Internet, and new technology facilitates instant global connection,
access to information, products and breaking news stories. We now all
carry a ‘supercomputer’ in our pockets, from which we can run
businesses and complete complex tasks.
Whilst these are positives and help us become increasingly connected
throughout the world, there are downsides too.
Some negative affects new technology and internet
include online grooming, harassment, cyber bullying,
cyber suicide and less in-person interactions, leading to
social isolation. (Diomidous, M 2023)

12. Video Consumption
8 seconds
This is the new average attention span of adults in 2021.
In the 2000s, the average span was 12 seconds. (Golden Steps
Aba, 2023)

13. The abundance of content means harsher competitive strategies are
being used in the fight for modern days most valuable commodity - our
attention.
Algorithms are being programmed to show consumers highly “incendiary,
controversial, or polarising” content to drive interactions. This increases
exposure to unhealthy content often based on mis- or false information.
(Carpentier C, United Nations, N/D)
Video Consumption
Attention - a human attribute, or a commodity?

14. Video Consumption
Statistics
In 2023, people are
watching, on average, 17
hours of online videos
per week. (Bump, P 2023
HubSpot.com)
Video is king. The rise and
reign of TikTok has made
short form video
increasingly popular, with
videos under three
minutes falling into a
sweet spot. (Bump, P
2023 HubSpot.com)
75% of people watch
short-form video content
on their mobile. (Statista,
2023)
17 hours Three Minutes 75%

15. Consumer Trends
Podcasts have over 464 million worldwide listeners and are becoming increasingly
popular. This low effort entertainment medium can be indulged in even when
multitasking, and is growing YoY. (Backlinko, 2024)
Number
of
podcast
listeners
in
millions
(STATISTA 2024)
Podcasts

16. Consumer Trends
2020: Covid-19 changed the way we work and learn, with 93% of
people with school aged kids learning online during the pandemic .
93% of people say the
internet has been
essential or important
during covid
40% of people used
Internet In New Way Since
Covid
Nearly 50% of all working
adults worked from home
at some point during Covid
(Pew Research Centre, 2021)
Survey and statistics by

17. Chat bots for customer service are improving and AI use is becoming more
mainstream, reducing the need for excess staff and streamlining customer
experience, giving access to 24/7 customer care.
Consumer trends
Using or plans to use chatbot integrations
80%
Not using chatbots
20%
Source Cherniak, K - 2024 -
masterofcode.com
This pie chart
shows the number
of businesses
using vs not using
chatbots in 2024.

18. Consumer trends
Hybrid work: After covid, more employees have been trying to work
from home, or work with a hybrid model.
A survey by Gallup revealed that "54% of employees who work
remotely at least some of the time say they would ideally like to split
their time between working at home and in the office—a hybrid
arrangement."
54%
(Saad, L and Wigert, B 2021)

19. By 2025
By 2025, one
in every three
adults in
America is
expected to
wear a fitness
tracker
10 million
There are
over 10
million
mobile health
apps
available for
download
worldwide
50%
Telehealth services
have increased by
over 50% since the
start of 2020,
reflecting a
significant shift in
how healthcare is
delivered, largely due
to the COVID-19
pandemic.
68%
68% of patients
say they are more
likely to choose
medical providers
that can book,
change, or cancel
appointments
online.
(SPDLOAD.COM - 2024)
Consumer trends
Health tech

20. Wellness/Health Industry
A 2018 study by the International Food Information Council found that millennials
are more likely to prioritise health and wellness when making food choices than
previous generations. Gen Z often prioritses mental health as-well as psychical too.
(Texas Health, 2023)
Consumer trends
In a survey of roughly
7,500 consumers in six
countries: Think wellness is
important
79% 42%
Consider wellness
a top priority
(Mckinsey.com, 2021)

21. Consumer trends
The use of AI tools is growing rapidly in many ways. Businesses and
individual’s are using AI tools like chat GPT and more at an increasing rate.
(S, Nancy 2023 Sprintzeal.com)
Automate business processes and reduce the need for administrative work
Can provide 24/7 customer support via chatbots
Target its audience precisely and offer relevant products
Offer improved and relevant search results
Provide personalised recommendations
Assist businesses with CRM via automated reach-outs and emails
Tracking engagement and curating relevant content
What can AI do?

22. The Internet is not entirely positive. However, now that it’s been around
for nearly three decades, we are now more able to recognise the risks
and offer education to mitigate potential dangers.
Brands will have to be careful and ensure that what they offer is
pleasing and of good quality, as the consumer now holds so much
power in regards to the narrative of the brand.
Businesses will also have to work hard to constantly be on top of new
trends and utilize developing technology to create and deliver
compelling content, to the right audiences, at the right time.
Summary
The fight for our attention continues.