As many of us find ourselves back in further Lockdowns ahead of the optimistic outlook for 2021, can we do better at achieving our goals by putting down our smartphones?

International survey from the first lockdown highlights how the unintentional use of personal tech hindered people’s aims for a positive lifestyle adjustment.

Lugano, Switzerland - An independent study commissioned by Switzerland based tech for good company, Punkt., has shown that while most people intended to increase their personal values, social interaction and activities during the first lockdown and beyond, they were impeded in doing so through the unintentional use and distraction of their devices. 

Of 935 participants in the survey carried out in the US and Europe*, 76% of respondents said they intended to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic with a positive behavioural change - from reading more books, to spending more time with family, to cooking and gardening more.

The Covid Awakening Score yields a significant 3% increase in the probability of wanting to maintain new attitudes developed during the pandemic.

The Covid Awakening Score yields a significant 4% increase in the probability of wanting to maintain new behaviours  developed during the pandemic.

From this number, however, only just over half (55%) of smartphone users managed to see through the intentions they had set. The people who were not able to make the positive behavioural shift that they had hoped for reported spending more time instead on social media, on-line shopping, watching TV, and gaming during the pandemic.

While for survey respondents who were fielded from the Punkt. community, a higher number (70%) reported increased positive behaviours during the pandemic.

Respondents are quick to say they’re doing more of something, but are less forthcoming in saying that they are doing less of something. Responses to Covid differ greatly between panelists and community members: a far greater share of panelists increase junk tech activities than community members.

So while the advances of technology have helped tremendously in our efforts to keep working, and stay connected, it is clear as we enter further periods of lockdown that striking the right balance with our personal tech is more important than ever for achieving our personal goals.

The recent Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, talks about the unintended use and consequences of social media, and it becomes apparent that the stronger our sense of personal intention with technology, the more in control of our desires or ambitions we are as a result.

The Punkt. MP 02 mobile phone is designed with the intention, to perform as a distraction-free communication tool so we can focus on the things that matter, whether that be an occasional, or permanent, break from the smartphone.

So as many of us find ourselves in further lockdowns and with social restrictions over the coming weeks and possibly months, and we are constantly fed with ideas and ways of how to flourish and thrive whilst spending more time inside - introducing some digital minimalism into our lives may just help us to increase our focus, and be better equipped to actually achieve those personal intentions to carry into a brighter looking 2021.

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About the Punkt. Study

The Global Pause study was conducted by independent research group MBO in August-September 2020, looking at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the digital minimalist market.

The study centred around people in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany + 120 survey participants from the rest of the world, and their changing attitudes and behaviours with tech, broken down into different groups:

1. A quantitative survey of 935 people with Qualtrics panel (634), and Punkt. community respondents (301)

2. Qualitative research with 14 virtual in-home interviewees and accompanying photo diaries
3. Expert interviews with digital minimalist and privacy experts

Further study information available upon request.

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About Punkt.

We create consumer electronics that combine beautiful design with a simplicity that helps make modern life easier. We love technology, but believe that everyday existence is becoming overloaded by all the functions, notifications, options and updates that come with having state-of-the-art devices attached to us around the clock.

Technology can bring great things, but like any good relationship, there should be healthy boundaries. The tendency to add ‘more and more’ to tech products has placed an increasing burden on us. As we spend more time looking down at a screen we are missing the opportunity to look up, look around and engage with life.

Punkt. produces premium products that are a joy to use, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Head of Brand Communications
+41 91 924 9003
m.caines@punkt.ch

Headquartered in Switzerland, Punkt. was established by Petter Neby in 2008 with the idea of bringing a breath of fresh air into the consumer electronics market with outstanding, timeless products designed to do their job, without intruding on their owner's time and attention. From the very beginning, renowned British industrial designer Jasper Morrison was on board as the company’s art director. The name Punkt. is taken from the Germanic word for ‘point’ or ‘full stop/period’, and was chosen to symbolize the way the company’s products are built around simplicity, clarity and focus. Punkt. launched its debut product, the DP 01 Cordless Phone, in January 2011 at Maison et Objet in Paris. Since then, the company has continued to develop stylish, carefully designed and elegantly crafted electronics products aimed at people who want to be in charge of the technology they buy, and who understand the importance of subtle beauty in everyday life.