According to data from Eurostat, the European Union's statistical agency, the use of internet-connected devices has seen a dramatic increase in Cyprus from 2020 to 2022. The surge was notably higher than the overall growth rate across the European Union.

Specifically, in 2022, 65.7% of individuals between the ages of 16 and 74 in Cyprus used internet-connected TVs, a significant rise from the 48.1% reported in 2020. By comparison, the European Union saw a growth from 43% in 2020 to 51.9% in 2022.

The adoption of wearable technology also gained momentum in Cyprus. Approximately 23.5% of the Cypriot population now use devices like smartwatches, fitness bands, and connected glasses or headsets, marking a substantial increase from just 8.6% in 2020. Across the EU, 25.8% of people used such devices in 2022, up from 17.1% in 2020.

Internet-connected gaming consoles were used by 11.3% of people in Cyprus in 2022, compared to 20.1% in the EU. Virtual assistants via smart speakers or apps were used by 5.4% of the same age group in Cyprus and 13.4% in the EU.

Around 7% of Cypriots employed internet-connected devices for energy management such as smart thermostats, compared to 10.1% in the EU.

Among EU member states, Malta led the pack with 78% of its population using internet-connected TVs, followed by Spain at 69% and both Sweden and Ireland at 68%. In contrast, countries like Bulgaria (30%), Croatia (35%), Greece (39%), and Romania (40%) lagged behind.

Despite the general uptick in usage, a significant portion of EU residents indicated that they have not adopted such technology. In Cyprus, 44% cited 'no need' as the primary reason, down from 53% in 2020. Cost was a deterrent for 20% of Cypriots, down from 37% in 2020. Privacy concerns accounted for 12%, down from 20% in 2020.

Overall, in the EU, 41% of individuals aged 16-74 who have never used internet-connected devices cited a 'lack of need' as the main reason, followed by the cost (10%), and privacy concerns (8%).