- The overall state of graciousness and kindness has remained stable on a year-on-year basis.
- While the overall perception of graciousness online remained stable from 2022 there were more calls to raise awareness of its importance.
- There has been a 7% decline in the satisfaction with neighbour relationship this year compared to 2022. • Results have shown that the frequency of neighbourly interactions affects how neighbours communicate when resolving disputes.
- 29% of Singaporeans are unaware of the existence of quiet hours, which may lead to issues in the neighbourhood.
Singapore, 30 June 2023 – Singaporeans remain committed and continue to acknowledge that being gracious and kind remain important values that we should practice as a society. The Graciousness Survey 2023 measured attitudes and perceptions towards graciousness and neighbourliness, as well as experiences in the online and offline environments. Overall, the state of graciousness and kindness in Singapore has remained stable on a year-on-year basis. The survey saw improvements tied to being considerate, courteous, and appreciative. The study polled an online demographically representative sample of 1000 respondents via online surveys from 3 – 17 January 2023.
Singaporeans continue to urge for better awareness for online graciousness
While perception of graciousness online remained stable, Singaporeans continue to call on the importance for more awareness on online graciousness. Findings have shown that online shaming and leaving negative remarks in the comment sections are still widely prevalent within social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
Neighbour satisfaction saw a slight increase in neighbours who are dissatisfied
On the other hand, there has been a 7% decline in the proportion of neighbours who are satisfied with their neighbours this year compared to 2022. This highlights for more continuous efforts towards building and improving neighbourly relationships. Results have also shown that the frequency of neighbourly interactions is linked to higher satisfaction levels with neighbourly relationships.
Noise level and clean common spaces were remained as top neighbourly aspirations
The data in the survey observed that keeping noise levels down and common spaces clean have remained the topmost of neighbourly aspirations. They are also aspirations with the biggest gap when compared to lived experiences in the neighbourhoods – both last year and this year. This suggests that these aspirations are consistently important for respondents.
Singaporeans’ unawareness of the quiet hours may lead to issues in the neighbourhood
While most Singaporeans are aware of the term ‘quiet hours’, many are unaware of the precise time period i.e. 10.30pm to 7am. This lack of awareness regarding the correct timings can inadvertently result in disturbances and conflicts within the community, as activities that are typically restricted during quiet hours may unknowingly persist beyond the advised time period. As a result, the peacefulness and tranquillity of the neighbourhood may be compromised, potentially causing frustration, inconvenience, and discontent among residents.
Frequent interaction with neighbours can help manage neighbourly disputes
The findings suggests that neighbours with frequent interactions were more likely to practice positive neighbourly behaviours such as being able to communicate their neighbourly concerns to one another. While it facilitates open dialogue about concerns, it also enhances relationships, and fosters empathy. Neighbours who frequently interact with their neighbours tend to enjoy a more satisfying relationship and were able to resolve neighbourly disputes amicably when they arise.
A stronger and kinder neighbourhood starts with you
To reinforce and strengthen our march towards a gracious society, SKM has also launched the “A Kinder You, A Stronger Us” campaign narrative as an extension to the ‘Be Greater’ campaign which emphasises the collective strength that comes from each individual kindness and reinforces that kindness is the fundamental building block of a stronger community. SKM will continue to amplify these messages through campaigns and tactical activations to remind the public that the daily choices we make can create a greater impact on our society.
SKM has also continued to roll out initiatives to promote neighbourliness such as the inaugural Singapore’s Friendly Neighbourhood Award (SFNA), jointly organised with HDB that was launched in October 2022. SFNA aims to strengthen the ‘kampung spirit’ in neighbourhoods by recognising neighbourhoods who promote the importance of collective gracious living and mutual aid, in hopes it will inspire the rest of the nation to do the same.
“SKM is pleased to share the findings of the Graciousness Survey 2023. While overall graciousness remained stable, let’s continue to strive towards a kinder and more empathetic digital world as well as cultivate greater relationships with our neighbours. We hope that residents can be proactive to befriend their neighbours. Simple acts such as having friendly conversations with one another make it easier for neighbours to resolve concerns if any. At SKM, we emphasise the importance of kindness as the fundamental building block of a stronger community. Through initiatives like our Be Greater campaign, HoodChampion initiatives and the Singapore’s Friendly Neighbourhood Award, we will continue to amplify positive stories to inspire change and collective action for a more united and stronger society.” commented General Secretary of SKM, Dr William Wan.
For more information about the Graciousness Survey 2023, please refer to the fact sheet.