site.btaBulgaria Ranked Last in EU in 2022 in Number of People Using Internet-Connected Devices

The use of internet-connected devices increased in 2022, reflecting their growing importance in modern life, Eurostat reports. In 2022, more than half (52%) of people in the EU aged between 16 and 74 used an internet-connected TV, 9% more than in 2020 (43%).

The use of smart handheld devices has also seen significant growth with over a quarter (26%) of people aged between 16 and 74. They used smartwatches, fitness bracelet straps, internet-connected glasses or headphones, internet-connected clothing or footwear and other web-connected accessories. This is also a 9% increase from 2020 (17%).

Internet-connected game consoles were also popular in 2022, as 20% of people aged 16 to 74 used them. Virtual assistants, such as smart speakers or apps, were used by 13% of people in the same age group, and 10% used internet-connected energy management solutions such as connected thermostats, utility meters, lighting, and plug-ins.

Among EU countries, internet-connected TV use was highest in Malta, where almost 8 in 10 people used it (78%), followed by Spain (69%), Sweden and Ireland (68% in both countries) and Cyprus (66%).

By contrast, Bulgaria (30%), Croatia (35%), Poland (38%), Greece (39%) and Romania (40%) were the EU countries with the lowest proportion of people using internet-connected TV.

Despite significant growth in the use of internet-connected gadgets between 2020 and 2022, many people said they still do not use such devices.

A total of 41% of people aged between 16 and 74 who have never used internet-connected devices cited lack of need as the main reason for not using them. This percentage reflects a decrease of 2 percentage points since 2020.

The next most prevalent reason for non-use is cost. A total of 10% of people aged between 16 and 74 perceived the cost to be too high. In 2020, their share was 11%. The proportion of people with concerns about the privacy and protection of personal data generated by these devices or systems (8%) is down from 11% in 2020.