The Impact of Coronavirus on Top Five Digital Consumer Trends in 2020

Key Findings

COVID-19 impacts all top five digital consumer trends for the year ahead

Globally, the digital consumer trends identified as having the most significant impact in 2020 were emerging strongly. As COVID-19 spreads around the world, some of these have stalled, but many are accelerating or will due to the crisis.

Pause on privacy concerns in the name of public health

While privacy has been a hot topic across developed markets in recent years as the digital world matures and pro-privacy regulations were enacted, some consumers became more willing to pause on these concerns during the pandemic in the name of public health. Governments began more heavily tracking behaviours of its citizenry to reduce virus spread.

Last mile arms race only further intensifies

The boom in e-commerce during the pandemic put a greater emphasis on the further development of last mile solutions. Rising fulfilment and delivery costs are forcing foodservice operators and retailers to explore alternative delivery and collection options, such as click-and-collect or localised fulfilment from dark stores or outlets.

Launch party for 5G will likely be delayed

The rollout of 5G networks globally took a hit in the short term as the spread of COVID-19 led to disruptions across the supply chain. Some countries postponed auctions of the spectrum and some mobile operators delayed their commercial launches. It is likely that the launch party that was set for the arrival of 5G in key markets will be delayed due to the pandemic.

Reset, rethink, reboot

COVID-19 has changed behaviours - some forever. Flexibility and adaptability will become standard as companies embark on future planning to account for various scenarios.