Compared to last year, New Zealanders are less likely to perceive forums as being some of the Internet's key social benefits – either for providing a wide range of views or facilitating discussion. Connecting communities of people and anyone being able to access information were the other benefits which saw decreases.
Benefits of the Internet
Positive sentiment about the Internet is slowly trending downward.
How New Zealanders perceive the benefits of the Internet
Benefits value rating over time
2022
2021
2020
New Zealanders were asked “which of the below do you think are the key benefits of the Internet? Please think about the key social benefits, regardless of whether or not you personally use the Internet for this reason.” The graph shows the percentage of New Zealanders that rated each aspect a key benefit. It shows that the number one benefit is 'easy to communicate with family and friends' (79%) followed by 'access to information' (77%) and 'online shopping' (71%). It shows the data for 16 aspects. The data is shown over time including 2022, 2021 and 2020.
The younger you are, the less likely you are to feel positively about the Internet.
Demographics of the top three perceived benefits
Easy to communicate with friends and family
New Zealanders think the top-rated benefit to the Internet is that it is easy to communicate with friends and family. This graph shows demographic differences by percentage. 79% of all New Zealanders said it was a key benefit. 71% of males. 86% of females. 67% of people aged between 18-29.
Access to information
New Zealanders think the second top-rated benefit to the Internet is access to information. This graph shows demographic differences by percentage. 77% of all New Zealanders said it was a key benefit. 75% of males. 80% of females. 60% of people aged between 18-29. 79% of those with daily Internet access. 86% of people aged between 50 and 69.
Online shopping
New Zealanders think the third top-rated benefit to the Internet is online shopping. This graph shows demographic differences by percentage. 71% of all New Zealanders said it was a key benefit. 67% of males. 74% of females. 76% of people aged between 50-69. 63% of people aged between 18-29. 72% of those with daily Internet access. 72% of people in the north Island (excluding Wellington and Auckland).
New Zealanders with disabilities
16% of New Zealand's Internet users have a long-term disability, with many using assistive technology.
Assistive technology used while on the Internet
16% of New Zealanders in our survey said that they have a long-term disability or impairment (lasting six months or more) that makes it more difficult for them to do everyday tasks, that other people find easy. These people were asked what, if any, assistive technology do they use when using the Internet? For example, equipment, hardware, or software. The graph shows the percentage of New Zealanders with disabilities who use certain assistive technologies. See the “Display data in table” for the data for each one.
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