NEW YORK — The average person believes websites will become obsolete in the next decade. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults finds that seven in 10 (70%) believe apps are gradually replacing websites. With people relying on their phones for absolutely everything, it’s no surprise more than one in four (26%) think they can go a year without using a standard computer browser.
While 69 percent use their smartphone daily, only 44 percent report using their desktop or laptop with the same frequency. Forty-six percent have even done a full day’s work entirely from their smartphone, and 42 percent have used a mobile device to file a tax return.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cricket Wireless for their Tax Time initiative, the survey also finds that if forced to choose between a smartphone and a computer, 59 percent would opt for their phone. Thirty-six percent think they could only go less than a day without their smartphone. iOS users proved to be rather resilient, with 34 percent claiming they can survive phoneless for a week compared to 21 percent of Android users.
While entertainment (67%) and communication (66%) apps rank among the most common, more respondents now have a finance app on their smartphone (59%) than those who have news and magazine apps (28%).
“From work to play, our research shows people are embracing the convenience of apps in all areas of life,” says Tony Mokry, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Cricket Wireless, in a statement. “Apps can also be a great way to try out alternative services before committing.”
Over half of Americans do their taxes online
More than half of respondents (52%) rely on software or apps to file their taxes, compared to 36 percent who do them by hand.
Interestingly, only two in five (40%) anticipate getting a tax refund in 2023, with the average person expecting about $2,338. Those expecting a refund plan to put it toward a mobile wallet (25%), deposit it in a traditional checking or savings account (25%), and add it to an investing app (23%).
“There are many ways to get the most out of your refund, such as by upgrading your phone and wireless provider simultaneously,” Mokry adds.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Cricket Wireless between Jan. 20 and Jan. 23, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).