26% surfs the internet while simultaneously watching television: Axis My India February CSI Survey

Axis My India releases its latest findings of the ‘India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI),’ monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. The month of January reveals that almost half of the respondents (41%) believes that advertisement influences purchase decisions. 26% reveal a habit of engaging with both television and mobile phone simultaneously, thus opening deeper conversations on rising multi-screen user behaviour and scope of competitive advertising among different platforms.  Moreover, media consumption, in general, remains the same for 54% of the families, the highest in the last five months.

The February net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was down to +7, from +10 last month in lieu of the observed drop in household spending both across the essential and non-essential categories since the past 3 months, which was further accentuated by the Omicron scare in January.

The sentiment analysis delves into 5 relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits & mobility trends.

This month, Axis My India’s Sentiment Index further investigated the influence of advertisement on purchase decisions, parallel viewing behaviour with reference to television and mobile phones and consumers’ approach to health and fitness. The survey also delved deeper to understand various facets of financial behaviour, these include apprehensions with sharing financials/personal information online, outlook on the impact of omicron on financial security and gender-based investment management perceptions.

The surveys were carried out via Computer-Aided Telephonic Interviews with a sample size of 10525 people across 36 states. 70% belonged from Rural India while 30% belonged from urban counterparts. In addition, 59% of the respondents were male while 41% of the respondents were female

Commenting on the February report, Pradeep Gupta, CMD, Axis My India, says, “The survey captures consumer’s apprehension yet preparedness and confidence to the advent of Omicron. While essential, non-essential and health-related increased expenditures witnessed a dip, consumers at the same time have expressed their confidence of not being financially impacted by the 3^rd Wave. Moreover, in our attempt to discover consumer information consumption habits, we witnessed a growing possibility of shared space competitiveness between TV and online for influencing ad-based purchase decisions. However online space unlike TV is an interactive platform and thereby possess the challenges of ensuring the security and safety of data shared by consumers. Overall with the nation’s sentiments resuming back to slow and steady normalcy and more opportunities opening up within the media space, advertisers and marketers are in a sweet spot and should thereby leave no space untouched.”

Key findings:

• Consumption of media like TV, Internet, and Radio has increased for 24% of the families, same as last month. Consumption remains the same for a majority of 54% of families, the highest in the last five months. This is reflected among 18-25-Year-olds of the northern part of India. Overall, the Net score of this month is at 2 as compared to 1 for the previous month.
• 89% of families said that they are going out the same for short vacations, mall and restaurants as compared to 85% of families last month. Reflecting the view of 89% of the families, this has been the highest percentage in the last five months. However, only 4% of families recorded an increase in outgoing activities. The overall mobility score remains the same as last month at -3.
• Overall household spending has increased for 53% of families which reflects a 6% dip from the last month. Overall spending remains the same for 33% of the families which is the highest in the last five months. The net score has dropped from +50 to +39.
• Spends on essentials like personal care & household items has increased for 43% of the families showcasing a surge in the northern and southern part of India, however, this is also the lowest surge in the last five months. Spends however remain the same for 33% of the families (same as last month). The net score which was +26 last month is at +20 this month.
• The spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, Car, Refrigerator has increased for 10% of families, indicating an even lower percentage than the last 5 months. Expenditure nevertheless remains the same for 83% of the families a surged 5% from last month. This is majorly reflected in the sentiment of people living in the Eastern and Northern parts of India. The net score which was at +6 last month is at +3 for the month.
• Consumption of health-related items more or less remains the same for 44% of the families, while a surge is witnessed among 38% of the families. In comparison to last month, the ‘increase’ consumption indicators represent an overall dip of 2%. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -20 as compared to -23 last month.
• Axis My India further assessed if advertisement influences consumers’ purchase decisions. Closer to half i.e. 41% agreed that ads are stimulants and thereby drive purchases. This reflects the view of 18-35 YO from the northern part of India. However, a majority of 57% disagree on the same.
• Gauging consumers’ views on parallel viewing habits, the survey discovered that 26% surf the internet while simultaneously watching television. This signifies that not only are people moving between multiple screens on smartphones, tablets, computers and television, but they are also using multiple screens simultaneously to accomplish tasks. This also unravels a stiff competition between the two mediums to hold onto consumers’ attention for engaging them with information/news, entertainment, advertisements etc. 18-25-year-olds, majorly reflecting this behaviour.
• The CSI – Survey furthermore captured consumers’ financial sentiment across varied facets.  With regards to financial and personal security, a majority of 41% is apprehensive that the information shared online is not secure. Moreover, a bulk of 48% believes that the new variant of the virus – Omicron won’t impact their financial well-being.
• Axis My India survey further delved deeper to understand consumers’ opinions on who manages financials/investment decisions better between the two genders. A massive 67% believe that women are better as compared to men when it comes to financial/investment management. This reflects the view of the western part of India.
• Finally, Axis My India was delighted to report that 50% engages in sports/exercise and other health-related activities to remain fit and healthy. PM Modi in 2019 had launched the nationwide Fit India Movement to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their daily lives.

Agency Reporter