Social Media Study Examines Worldwide Interest in Mobile Payments
Consumers are very interested in using mobile payment technology, but are confused by the many options available, according to a worldwide MasterCard and Prime Research study that examined consumers’ social media comments. The study tracked 85,000 related social media comments across Twitter, Facebook, online blogs, and forums worldwide over six months and uncovered a mixed tone among early mobile payments adopters. European users expressed their opinions about mobile payment technology most vocally, with MasterCard listing the Asia-Pacific and the United States as the most positive regions and Europe and Canada as the most skeptical. British users are particularly enthused about mobile payments’ convenience and innovation, but cite inconsistency in acceptance and a lack of certainty over the timeline for market-wide availability. Meanwhile, non-adopters throughout Latin America and the Caribbean are asking for clarification on the mobile payment technologies offered, along with a clearer comprehension of mobile payments’ lifestyle ramifications. U.S. users expressed interest in the compatibility of mobile payments with other payment systems during transactions, while conversation also was fueled by issues of value, longer-term benefits, and security.
From “Social Media Study Shows Interest and Confusion Over Mobile Payments”
The FINANCIAL (02/26/13)