Smart Speakers Are Helping Users Combat Loneliness: Research
Smart speakers are unquestionably useful. They help us use technology more easily, act as home assistants, and it turns out they can even be a companion when we're feeling lonely.
According to new Ofcom research, these smart devices can make their users feel less lonely and give disabled people a greater sense of independence.
The UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom) conducted a thorough poll with the participation of 100 smart speaker owners and 15 non-owners. They discovered that many survey respondents said the speakers acted as a "buddy" with whom they could communicate.
Some described their speaker as a companion, especially if they lived alone. They thought it was beneficial in combating loneliness and liked the fact that they could talk to the speakers, the study revealed.
According to the organisation, smart speaker ownership increased by a factor of two in UK households during the pandemic, rising from 22 per cent in 2020 to 39 per cent in 2022.
A significant conclusion was that these speakers encouraged greater independence in people with disabilities. Users reported that using the device improved their quality of life, gave them a greater sense of independence, and helped them better manage their conditions.
