Singapore is working towards becoming an intelligent hub, with plans to incorporate technology in our daily lives. We have also recently been ranked as Asia’s smartest city by the 2024 Smart City Index*. How do Singaporeans feel about moving into a digitally transformed future? To find out more, RySense polled respondents from our online panel, HappyDot.sg, in April 2024 on their awareness, sentiments and perceptions of some emerging and possible future technologies.
Public sentiment on technology differs across age groups
Across the population, at least 1 in 3 Singaporeans feel optimistic yet cautious about Singapore adopting new technologies. Younger Singaporeans exhibit more positivity, while those above 35 years old are more likely to feel overwhelmed. Among those above 55, 1 in 5 (21%) reported feeling anxious. (Figure 1)
Almost 6 in 10 (57%) find it hard to keep pace with technological advancements
Among this group, the majority display an encouraging motivation to catch up with technology. (Figure 2)
Receptivity towards newer technologies – healthcare and convenience preferred
Singaporeans feel most positively about adopting new technologies that either increase convenience or pertain to healthcare. However, if these technologies carry the potential for ethical implications, their openness to adoption decreases considerably. For example, between having a microchip implanted in the brain to control a prosthetic limb and to control computers, the former was about three times more palatable (58% in Figure 3 vs 19% in Figure 4) to Singaporeans.
Privacy and data protection a top concern of innovating new technologies
Among the ethical implications of innovating new technologies, almost 8 in 10 (77%) cited privacy and data protection as one of their key concerns. Half of the population (more of those above 55 years old and unemployed) registered concerns about new technological innovations’ impact on job security, decision-making based solely on AI/machines and AI/machines programmed with data that is not representative of the entire population. (Figure 5)
Moving towards a future powered by technology
While Singaporeans recognise the importance of technology in their lives and are willing to keep up with the latest technological developments, reservations persist. Governance frameworks to address ethical concerns and manage trade-offs can help enhance trust in new technology. Additionally, addressing the challenges faced by Singaporeans in adapting to new technologies can prepare the population for a future with technology that looks promising and less daunting.
Dating and getting married are still important to young Singaporeans
Close to 2 in 3 think that dating and getting married are moderately/very important milestones (Figure 1). Among those who are not married, 62% want to get married. Even among singles who are not looking to date, about 3 in 10 hope to get married if possible (Figure 2).
It is heartening to know that dating and marriage remain meaningful life goals for young people. So what’s stopping our young people from meeting their social aspirations?
Dating challenges
1 in 2 find the dating scene more difficult compared to 10 years ago (Figure 3). Change in societal expectations, increased difficulty in meeting people, and that dating has become more casual are the top 3 challenges (Figure 4).
To navigate this challenging dating landscape, what can be done to help young Singaporeans find their happily ever after?
Understanding what one seeks in a partner
To start, it helps to understand what qualities young Singaporeans seek in a partner. The top 3 on the list are compatible personality, similar values and emotional intelligence (Figure 5a). Career and salary ranked lower on the list.
Equally important in this love equation is what young Singaporeans would not tolerate – disrespectful behaviour, financial irresponsibility and poor personal hygiene are among the top 3 dealbreakers (Figure 5b).
Through understanding their own expectations, young Singaporeans can align themselves with partners who genuinely reflect what matters most to them.
Seeking guidance from the social network
Dating is often seen as a private matter between two parties, but their social circles matter as well. While half indicated that no one has an influence on their choice of partner, the other half pointed to their social network as having an influence. Parents (28%) have a greater influence than friends (15%) among females, whereas both parents (19%) and friends (19%) have equal influence on males’ choice of partner (Figure 6). Given the meaningful role that the social network can play, parents and friends can share their own relationship experiences with young Singaporeans, offering support through relationship challenges.
Methods of meeting a partner
Organic meetings are the most preferred method of meeting a partner, with 79% open to meeting a potential partner through school, work or at a place of worship, and 72% open to introductions by a friend/family member (Figure 7).
In this digital age, online platforms have become increasingly common and a practical way to meet potential partners, with 65% open to using them (Figure 7). However, safety is a concern – about 16% think online platforms are moderately/extremely safe. Females are less likely to think so (Figure 8).
Towards finding meaningful relationships
While dating appears more complex and challenging today, the desire for connection is still significant among young Singaporeans. The insights from our research highlight the importance of understanding what young people seek in a partner, the influence of their social networks, and the role of both traditional and online platforms in meeting potential partners. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the support of their social circles, young Singaporeans can better navigate the complexities of modern dating and work towards finding their happily ever after.
