AppDynamics: 2021 Application Attention Index Report

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are relying on digital services more than ever before. According to a report from AppDynamics, more than 8 in 10 U.S. consumers (84%) say digital services have had a positive impact on their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because digital services have made some activities more accessible (83%).

With travel restricted and many venues, theaters and restaurants closed, three-quarters of the 13,000 global respondents surveyed said digital services have become a lifeline to some sense of normalcy during the pandemic. Most consumers rely on digital services to stay connected with family and friends (90%) and for entertainment such as streaming and gaming (86%). Digital services also provide access to basic supplies such as food and medicine (77%), as well as access to public services (77%).

However, it seems that not everyone has become more reliant on digital services as a result of the pandemic. Accessing top services has become habitual, such as contacting family, banking, getting news, shopping or entertainment.

While 46% of respondents reported an increase in their use of digital services to stay connected with family and friends during the pandemic, an equal number reported no change in usage from before the pandemic. The same was true for accessing digital services for entertainment (46% of respondents reported an increase in usage vs. 45% reporting the same usage), news and information (42% vs. 51%), food delivery (41% vs. 49%), and collaboration tools (46% vs. 46%).

Some 81% of respondents said digital services have allowed them to try new things, such as telemedicine. In fact, 77% said digital services have helped them access healthcare, and 73% use digital services to manage their physical and mental health.