DNA survey: Enormous surge in the use of Do Not Disturb mode in the past year

The survey demonstrates how young people are likely to feel both the positive and negative effects of digital technologies stronger than other age groups. People aged 16–24 are eager and quick to adopt new digital services (57%) and want to do more things online or on the move (53%), more than any other age group. On the other hand, more than half of respondents in the youngest age group feel that getting away from the Internet can be difficult and that constant engagement with digital services negatively affects their ability to concentrate.

“The study shows clear differences in app usage between age groups. People under the age of 25 make extensive use of music, streaming and other entertainment apps, while app usage among older age groups is more concentrated around functional apps for purposes like banking, navigation and data security. Digital services are a good servant but a bad master, which is why it’s gratifying to see young adults consciously seeking out a good balance between their virtual and real lives”, says Vilhelmiina Wahlbeck, SVP, Communications, Sustainability and Brand Development at DNA.

Popularity of social media and news fasting on the decline

Respondents who restricted the time they spent on their phones or the Internet were asked in a follow-up question about the methods they use. Respondents could select more than one answer. The most common way of restricting phone and Internet time was engaging in other pastimes (52%). In addition, approximately two in five tried to cut down on screen time specifically before bed, and a similar proportion kept their phones muted for at least part of the day. The popularity of social media and news fasting has fallen from last year, but the number of respondents using Do Not Disturb mode has almost doubled.

“The survey results show Finns’ growing desire to engage in digital life on their own terms. It appears that more and more people want to set clear boundaries: ‘Now I’m reachable and online. Now I’m not.’ This is a welcome and desirable trend. Digital technologies have made information so readily available that unrestrained exposure can start putting strain on individuals. To avoid this, it is important that everyone carefully weighs how much digital content is right for them”, Wahlbeck says.

DNA’s Digital Life survey:

The Digital Life survey, produced jointly by DNA and Nepa, was conducted using an online panel from 18 to 27 March 2024. Its aim is to find out how Finns use different digital services as well as their experience regarding digital inclusion. The annual survey received 1,018 responses from Finns over the age of 15. The survey has been conducted since 2013.

Links:

• Digital Life Survey 2024 (in Finnish)
• Digital Life 2024 survey report (in Finnish)

Media enquiries:

Vilhelmiina Wahlbeck, SVP, Communications, Sustainability & Brand Development, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 040 1671, vilhelmiina.wahlbeck@dna.fi

DNA Corporate Communications: tel. +358 44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi