- More than seven in ten Canadians have shifted to online banking instead of in-person as a result of social distancing, and one-half are getting their entertainment online, as well as visiting friends and family virtually.
- Online experiences are clearly positive, as one-half or more plan to continue to do online workouts, buy groceries online, renew prescriptions and do their banking online in the future.
May 14, 2020
SERVICES DONE ONLINE AS OPPOSED TO IN-PERSON
Given the impact of COVID-19 on day-to-day in-person services, Canadians were asked which services they have done online as a result. Results show that a majority of Canadians indicate that online banking (74%) was the top in-person service to be shifted to online, followed by movie streaming (50%), with video conferencing instead of visiting friends in person (48%) closely behind. Other less common services done online include grocery shopping (26%), online prescription refills (22%), and online workouts (19%). Interestingly, those aged 18-24 are less likely to say that online banking had moved online instead of in-person, potentially due to them already having done this online prior to the pandemic. Across regions Canadians are consistent in their opinions on which services are done online instead of in-person.
SERVICES THAT CANADIANS WILL CONTINUE TO DO ONLINE
Results show that the post-pandemic world will be much more online, with the vast majority of Canadian residents indicating they will continue to do online banking and stream movies online after the pandemic. Other services that a majority of Canadians will continue to do online include online prescription refills (74%) and online courses (53%). Half will continue to buy groceries online (48%), if they began doing so during the pandemic. Those aged 35-54 are less likely to continue purchasing groceries online once the social distancing regulations are lifted. Across ages, gender, income levels and education, Canadians are highly consistent in claiming that they will continue to do their banking online and stream movies online. Those in the Prairies are more likely to continue to take online courses, as well as those aged 55+. Although Canadians clearly enjoy many of their new online activities, more than half said they would NOT continue to visit friends on video conference, likely because they will be able to have face-to-face interactions once restrictions are lifted.
While a majority of those who have had a doctor’s appointment via telehealth during the pandemic anticipate moving back to in-person appointments after the pandemic, it warrants mention that one-quarter would continue to have telehealth appointments if available. Similarly, a notable minority of those who have used online religious services during the pandemic would continue to participate in such services online following the pandemic, if available.
This is the second of four research summaries that will be provided within the next two weeks. Watch for further details on Canadians’ perceptions and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This survey was conducted online from April 16 to April 19, 2020, with 1,231 Canadians 18 years of age or older, from the Logit Group’s COVID-19 Canadian Omnibus. Fielding every two weeks, the Logit Group’s COVID-19 Omnibus surveys sample Canadians to ask about their opinions and behaviours related to the pandemic. Results were analyzed by Narrative Research. Data was weighted based on the 2016 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect these population characteristics in each province. As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied.
Narrative Research, (www.narrativeresearch.ca), is one of Canada’s leading public opinion and market research companies. As a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned, research company, Narrative Research is dedicated to providing clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.
The Logit Group (https://logitgroup.com/) is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies across an array of methodologies, and is independent, experienced and quality-oriented.
Follow us on Twitter at @EveryNarrative and @LogitGroup
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For more information, please contact:
Margaret Brigley, CEO, Narrative Research – 902.222.7066 (M), mbrigley@narrativeresearch.ca,
OR
Margaret Chapman, COO, Narrative Research – 902.222.4048 (M), mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca
OR
Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116 (M), sam.pisani@logitgroup.com
