Unexpected things Singaporeans are looking for online during this WFH period

Now that we're stuck indoors, besides bingeing on our favourite shows, people are ramping up on online shopping to tide them through this "circuit breaker" period. 

iprice, an e-commerce site has dug into their data to study the purchasing habits of more than 100,000 consumers in Singapore and how it has changed since the coronavirus outbreak, along with the new social distancing measures set in place.

Apart from healthcare products, there was a surge in demand for items under categories like electronics, gaming, home and living, appliances, and drinks.

Condoms among the highest search in healthcare products

It's unsurprising that the search for hand sanitisers, disposable masks and vitamin C have increased, but another thing that has shot up is the search for condoms, and it has increased by 67 per cent.

While the internet has joked about using condoms to protect their fingers from touching lift buttons or surfaces that may have been contaminated by the virus, the real reason might be because they're stocking up in case of a shortage, to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Wifi routers, webcams and keyboards

Companies that aren't classified as essential services have been telecommuting and schools have shifted to full home-based learning, it's no wonder people have increased their search for wifi routers by 99 per cent, to make sure they have a stable internet connection at home.

There was an 85 per cent increase in the search for webcams too, as more people are staying connected with friends and family via video calls. A 137 per cent jump in search for keyboards was also seen, showing that Singaporeans are taking their work from home arrangements seriously.

Gaming consoles

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Video game consoles such as PS4 and Nintendo Switch saw the highest jump in searches, charting 713 per cent on iprice's data. 

With Animal Crossing being one of the most popular games during this period, it has allowed friends to hang out virtually. As the game is riddled with tasks like fishing and collecting fruits, there's this peaceful vibe that will take your mind away from the boredom of being stuck at home.

ALSO READ: With graduation ceremonies cancelled, Temasek Polytechnic students hold a virtual one in Minecraft

Cooking equipment

With nowhere to go, more and more people have suddenly become budding chefs as our social media platforms are flooded with simple recipes to try at home. As such, the search for cookware, dish racks, and rice dispensers grew by 57 per cent. 

The average household has also searched for disinfectant items, with Dettol being the highest at 127 per cent.

ALSO READ: Rice cooker mac and cheese & other recipes to try at home during this circuit breaker period

Caffeine and alcohol

Coffee is the quick solution to staying focused while working from home in this hot weather, as such there was an increase of 107 per cent in search for a perfect cuppa to indulge in.

Now that bars are closed too, I've since had two drinking sessions online with my friends. The search for alcohol has increased by 47 per cent, with more people chilling out at home.

ALSO READ: 10 work from home essentials to curate a productive workspace

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

melissagoh@asiaone.com