Internet usage among Cypriots is nearly universal, with young people leading the charge in online communication, according to a recent survey by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).
- Internet usage among Cypriots is nearly universal, with young people leading the charge in online communication, according to a recent survey by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).
- Among those purchasing goods or services online, 58.6 per cent bought event tickets, 53.2 per cent booked accommodation, and 50.3 per cent arranged transport services.
The survey revealed that an impressive 93.6 per cent of the population uses the internet at least once a week, highlighting a strong digital presence in the country. However, the data also indicates that internet usage declines with age, starting at 98.5 per cent among 16 to 24-year-olds and dropping to 81.5 per cent for those aged 55 to 74.
Educational attainment plays a significant role in internet engagement, with 98.9 per cent of individuals holding higher qualifications actively using the internet, compared to just 75.9 per cent of those with lower educational levels.
Internet usage: Communication Takes Centre Stage
The survey, which focused on information and communication technology (ICT) usage, found that the most prevalent online activities are communication-related. A staggering 96.4 per cent of users reported making calls over the internet, while 96.2 per cent engaged in instant messaging through popular platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber.
Interestingly, the consumer version of Skype, once a notable communication tool, was retired by Microsoft on May 5, 2025. This raises questions about the survey’s references, as it may have included data from users until its discontinuation.
Social Media and Online News Consumption
Social networking remains a crucial aspect of internet usage, with 92.3 per cent of users participating in platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, 91.1 per cent of individuals reported reading online news, while 88.2 per cent sought information about products and services online.
Shifts in Online Learning and e-Government Services
As part of the digital landscape, online learning is also gaining traction, with 20.5 per cent of users accessing educational materials beyond complete online courses. Notably, 17.8 per cent of individuals have taken an online course, and another 17.8 per cent used audio or video tools to communicate with educators or fellow learners.
In terms of e-Government services, 62.7 per cent of individuals aged 16 to 74 accessed information from public authorities online between April 2024 and March 2025. Among these, 52 per cent retrieved information about themselves stored by public authorities, while 31.9 per cent accessed public databases or registers.
Trends in e-Commerce Usage
When it comes to e-commerce, the first quarter of 2025 saw a slight dip in online orders, with 62 per cent of individuals aged 16 to 74 placing orders, down from 63.6 per cent during the same period in 2024. The most popular categories for online subscriptions included film, series, and sports streaming services at 43.5 per cent, followed by music streaming at 18.3 per cent, gaming at 9.5 per cent, and health or fitness apps at 7.5 per cent.
Among those purchasing goods or services online, 58.6 per cent bought event tickets, 53.2 per cent booked accommodation, and 50.3 per cent arranged transport services.
