Did you notice a difference?
Almost half of Irish people have noticed an improvement in community spirit in their local area as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
The new research, reveals that 47 per cent of people in Ireland feel that community spirit has increased over the past twelve months, with those aged between 25 and 34 most likely to have noticed a positive change.
According to the research, digital technologies such as social media, video conferencing platforms, and websites have played a significant role in keeping people connected through the pandemic with almost half (46 per cent) of people saying that they have had more family interactions as a result of using these digital tools.
A further 39 per cent report increased interaction with friends through digital technologies over the same period.
Furthermore, one in four report making new social connections through online community initiatives during the pandemic.
The research also reveals that social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger have been the most popular way for people to stay connected throughout the pandemic, with a total of 64 per cent of people using these platforms.
These apps are followed by:
Social media networks including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (20 per cent)
Zoom and video conferencing software (8 per cent)
Websites, forums, or discussion boards (3 per cent)
Multiplayer video games (2 per cent)
More than two in five say they have taken up a digital or online hobby to stay connected, with baking and cooking (16 per cent) proving the most popular hobby, followed by movie nights (15 per cent) and exercise classes (14 per cent).
One in six report participating in online community initiatives.
Overall, the majority of people (71 per cent) report having positive experience with digital tools over the past 12 months.
However, according to the research, almost a quarter of those surveyed noted a decline in their broadband quality over the same period (24 per cent).
