According to a global survey conducted by Gallup International across 45 countries, with over 46,000 participants, mobile devices significantly enhance the quality of life for the vast majority of people worldwide. More than four in five adults (84 %) reported that their mobile device either “completely”, “significantly”, or “somewhat” enhances their quality of life. Only 13 % felt that mobile devices do not enhance their lives.

The top five nations who perceive technology enhances (completely, significantly or somewhat) quality of life are Malaysia 97 %, China 97 %, Israel 95 %, Portugal 93 % and Kenya 92 %. The five bottom nations are Iraq 62 %, Denmark 67 %, Norway 68 %, Armenia 72 % and Japan 72 %.

The global survey was conducted in between October 2024 and February 2025 among 46,195 scientifically selected men and women, on average a sample of 1000 in each polled nation.

Key Findings

The key findings from the survey data are the following:

1. Gender differences: Survey found no differences across gender – 84 % of females and 84 % of males reported that their mobile device enhances their quality of life.
2. Age differences: The survey findings reveal differences across age groups in how mobile devices are perceived to enhance quality of life. Younger respondents (87 %) were more likely to report positive impacts compared to older age groups (81 %); a difference perhaps not as large as some may have expected.
3. Education differences: Education however was a greater differentiator of opinion here. Respondents with higher levels of education demonstrated significantly stronger perceptions of mobile technology as an enhancer of quality of life compared to those with lower educational qualifications.
   Among respondents with a university degree, 88 % believed that mobile technology enhances quality of life. This figure declined to 84 % among those with a secondary school education or lower and further dropped to 75 % among respondents with only primary education or less.
4. Trend Analysis (31 common countries): In 2012, Gallup International posed the same question that was later asked in 2024. 31 countries were surveyed in both years. Globally, the proportion of respondents who stated that their mobile device enhances their quality of life increased over this period. Among the 31 countries surveyed in both years, the proportion of respondents who believed that mobile phone use improved their quality of life rose from 81 % in 2012 to 83 % in 2024, representing a 2 % increase.

The top three countries reporting the greatest increase in the percentage of respondents stating that mobile devices enhance their quality of life include, Armenia (+30 %), United Kingdom (+18 %) and Germany (+16 %). On the other hand, the top three countries reporting the greatest decrease in the percentage of respondents stating that mobile devices enhance their quality of life include Iraq (-21 %), Philippines (-10 %) and Austria (-8 %). Kenya was the only country where there was no change in perception between 2012 and 2024.

Commentary on poll findings by

Michael Nitsche, President Gallup International Association in Vienna, Johny Heald, Board Member GIA in London and Bilal Gilani, Board Member GIA in Islamabad:

“The End of Year 2024 Survey highlights the powerful role mobile technology plays in enhancing quality of life worldwide. We are encouraged by the high levels of positive perception across the globe including among women, younger generations, and populations in lower-income regions. While acknowledging the transformational nature of mobile technology there is however urgent need to make users more aware of negative effects of excessive and irresponsible use of mobile technology over long-term basis.”

Note to Editors

Sample Size and Mode of Field Work

A total of 46,195 persons were interviewed globally in 45 countries. In each country a representative sample of around 1000 men and women was interviewed during October 2024 – February 2025 either face to face, via telephone or online.  The margin of error for most country level surveys is between ±3 – 5 % at 95 % confidence level. For more details regarding methodology please contact: Bilal I Gilani, Board Member Gallup International on email: bilal.gilani@~@gallup.com.pk