- The overall state of graciousness and kindness has improved from the previous years and is the highest since 2020, with the 25-44 age group pulling up the ratings
- Online graciousness has improved since the stable ratings from 2021-2022
- More than 4 in 5 were satisfied with their relationship with their neighbours with the improvement highest among 25-44 year olds.
- 83% of survey participants encountered some barrier to neighbourly interaction, despite high satisfaction with neighbourly relationship scores
Singapore, 18 May 2023 – Singaporeans hold steadfast to their belief that kindness and graciousness are the cornerstones of society. The Graciousness Survey 2024 measured attitudes and perceptions towards graciousness and neighbourliness, as well as experiences in online and offline spaces. As a whole, the state of graciousness and kindness in Singapore has improved this year, with the Graciousness Index the highest since 2020. While experiences of neighbourliness have improved from 2023, there is a need for initiatives to lower barriers to interaction between neighbours and give them more opportunities to socialise.
1. Younger Singaporeans (25-44) expressed more positive sentiments in the past year when it came to showing consideration, being courteous and being appreciative compared to previous years.
Those in the younger age group were reported to have done, seen or received more acts of graciousness than in previous years. This could be in response to consistent efforts of curating content by various government bodies that appeals to this age group and is more relatable to them on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. However, the survey showed that older age groups were less likely to have received acts of graciousness. These results highlight the importance of using social media tools, but keeping in mind not to neglect older audiences and the need for content creation that appeals to this age group using an appropriate medium.
2. Positive change in the level of online graciousness and attitudes towards the online environment
Overall perception towards graciousness online saw a marked improvement from 2023, and significantly more observed positive change in the level of online graciousness over the last 6 months. The positive change was led by the sentiments of those aged 25-44.
While online graciousness ratings improved, calls for more education on gracious online behaviour continue to persist from the past year. Further, a larger proportion perceived their perception of graciousness offline to be affected by the online environment. The findings emphasise a need for more education on gracious online behaviour which will in turn improve gracious offline behaviour.
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| Satisfied | 69% | 81% |
3. Acts of neighbourliness and barriers to interaction
Though the majority of respondents were satisfied with their neighbourly relationships, more than 4 in 5 of respondents were cited to have encountered some form of barrier to interacting with their neighbours. The topmost barriers suggest neighbours have limited opportunities to interact, as they come home at different times, or their doors are closed. Additionally, it was found that the younger age group was most likely to cite not knowing what to say to their neighbours as a key barrier.
These findings call for initiatives that equip younger age groups with tools to engage their neighbours more, and initiatives that reduce the barriers to interaction e.g. content that encourages open doors to facilitate conversation or that entail the benefits of good neighbourly relations.
May Kindness Be With You
This year, the release of the Graciousness Survey 2024 coincides with Kindness Day Singapore (KDSG) Festival, a first-ever, for the Singapore Kindness Movement. The week-long festivities are an avenue for Singaporeans to make their pledge to act graciously not just this May, but every day.
SKM also inaugurates the first-ever Stickability Award, to commend Ground-Up Movements (GUMs) who have been with SKM for 10 years and beyond. The Award is a testimony to the GUMs’ perseverance, passion and dedication to their mission of making Singapore a kinder, more beautiful place to live in.
Michelle Tay, Director of Programmes & Operations of SKM, says, “The celebration of Kindness Day is a yearly reminder to reflect on the importance of kindness and appreciation in our society. Kindness Day is a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a more gracious and caring society every day, not just reserved for special occasions. It is my strong belief that Singaporeans are kind – but we can always be greater.”
For more information on the Graciousness Survey 2024, please refer to this fact sheet.