Focus Bari: Steep rise in internet use among Greeks over 55

The use of the internet in Greece shows a spectacular increase in ages over 55, with an emphasis on those in the 65-74 age group, according to the new nationwide survey “Focus on Tech Life” by Focus Bari, which concerns the first quarter of 2022 and used a representative sample of 10,000 people aged 13-74.

The percentage of middle-aged and elderly Greeks who declare themselves Internet users is constantly increasing. 79% of people aged 65-74 and 92% of those aged 55-64 were using the internet this year, compared to 61% and 81% in the first quarter of 2019 (an increase of 31% and 14% respectively). For respondents aged 45-54 and 35-44, in the first quarter of 2022, internet use reached 97% and 100% (increase of 3% and 2% respectively compared to the first quarter of 2019).

Familiarity

Greeks in general are becoming more and more familiar with technology, as the use of the Internet in the general population between 13-74 reached 95%, compared to 90% in 2019. The increase became felt over the last three years due to lockdowns and the pandemic.

Nine out of 10 Greeks (90%) now connect to the internet from their mobile phone, with the percentage reaching 99% for ages 18-24 years and 98% for the 25-34 age group, compared to 82% for those 55-64, and 67% for the 65-74 age group

Social media

80% of the respondents are social media users, with women taking a small lead in engaging in social media with 81% compared to 79% of men.

Two out of three Greeks now shop online for  products and services, with those in the 65-74 age group reaching 32%. Online shopping is mostly a choice of those between the ages 18-54 (between 72% to 82%), while one in three people aged 65-74 (32%) now shop online.

Use starts at an early age. Almost nine out of 10 children (89%) are Internet users, with the internet penetrating 74% of 5-6 year olds.