Is it worth communicating via mobile apps?

In the age of the digital revolution, mobile apps have become an integral part of how Canadians communicate. The Canadian mobile app market was valued at $22.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $52.5 billion by 2030. However, the question of the appropriateness of communicating via mobile platforms remains complex and multifaceted, especially in the context of Canadian culture and legislation.

Mobile app usage statistics

Scale of digital penetration

Canada ranks among the world leaders in terms of internet usage and smartphone ownership. According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of Canadian adults use the internet, exceeding the rates in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Smartphone ownership is also impressive: 98% of Canadians aged 18–29 and 95% aged 30–49 own smartphones.

On average, Canadians spend 4.5 hours per day using mobile apps, which amounts to over 20 billion hours of collective mobile app usage per year. 95% of Canadian millennials use mobile apps every day, and nearly 50% of users open apps more than ten times a day.

Popular types of communication apps

  • Instant messaging

  • WhatsApp: 31.7%

  • Telegram: 31.1%

  • Messenger: 22%

  • Dating

  • Tinder, Bumble, Hinge

  • In 2025, Tinder remains the most popular: the average user in Canada is a 25–34-year-old man (43% of users).

Advantages of communicating via mobile apps

Convenience and accessibility

  • 38% of Canadians choose to ask someone out on a date via instant messaging, text messaging, or email, especially among younger age groups.

  • 45% of Canadians aged 21–29 prefer email, text messaging, or instant messaging to arrange a first date.

  • On average, Canadians interact with ~23 people every day, and email is used an average of 7.3 times per day.

  • Peak mobile device usage is in the evening hours.

Cost-effectiveness

  • 81% of new Canadians stay in touch with their families through messaging apps (VoIP options are cheaper than international calls).
  • Facebook Messenger is the most popular messaging app (63%), followed by WhatsApp (57%).

Cultural adaptation

  • Different tools for different relationships:
  • Romantic partner: mobile phone (33%) > email (16%)
  • Old friend: instant messaging (11%) > mobile phone (5%)

Risks and disadvantages of mobile communication

Security and privacy

  • Increase in crimes related to online dating (Tinder, etc.).

  • In 2023, Canadians lost >50 million USD due to romantic scams (945 victims).

  • In Edmonton in 2022, there were 62 reports of fraud, with losses of ~$4.7 million.

Addiction and psychological problems

  • 13–18-year-olds spend an average of >8 hours/day on their phones.
  • Teenagers admit to addiction and feel pressure from “FOMO” (fear of missing out).

Discrimination and “red flags”

  • The biggest “red flags” in dating profiles are controversial or political information.
  • In Manitoba and Quebec, ‘catfishing’ is the main “red flag.”

Legal regulation of mobile applications in Canada

PIPEDA and data protection

  • PIPEDA regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in commercial activities.
  • Developers must obtain explicit consent, limit data collection to what is necessary, and implement security measures.
  • 85% of 1,211 apps surveyed do not clearly disclose their data collection policies.

Quebec language requirements

  • Law 96: all commercial communications must be available in French.
  • Penalties: from $3,000 to $30,000 per day for violations.

Anti-spam legislation (CASL)

  • In November 2020, the CRTC and others sent warnings to 36 companies regarding CASL compliance.

Cultural characteristics of digital communication

Digital etiquette

  • Friendly tone in business communications.
  • 53% of Canadians are afraid to call strangers; 66% aged 18–34, 55% aged 35–54, 40% aged 55+.

Regional differences

  • In the morning before breakfast: email (18%) > phone calls (3%).
  • After 9 p.m.: email or instant messaging (12%) > SMS (2%).
  • Within Canada: text messaging (including iMessage) and Facebook Messenger.

Recommendations for safe use of mobile apps

Safety precautions when meeting new people

  • Keep personal information to a minimum in your profile.
  • Use a unique photo and a separate email address.
  • Meet only in public places, far from home.

Digital etiquette

  • Control your tone, use emojis appropriately, use correct grammar, and avoid profanity.

Data privacy

  • Mobile apps can access your photos, videos, contacts, and location.

Trends and the future of mobile communication

Market growth

  • CAGR 15.3% (2025–2030).
  • 2023: ~1 billion downloads; Temu — 7 million downloads.

Artificial intelligence and innovation

  • AI chatbots: +112% downloads in 2024.
  • The market is growing at a CAGR of 15.4% until 2029, supported by innovative financing.

Social media challenges

  • Switching to “dumb phones”: +25% sales in 2023 (98,600 units).

Conclusions and recommendations

Balanced approach

  • Advantages: convenience, cost-effectiveness, adaptability.
  • Risks: security, addiction, privacy.

Key recommendations

  • Comply with PIPEDA and CASL.
  • Take Quebec's language requirements into account.
  • Practice digital etiquette and security.

Future

  • Mobile apps are a tool, not a substitute for real communication.
  • Success depends on understanding culture, the law, and responsible use of technology.