When social media first burst on to the internet scene some 15 years ago, it was heralded as a quick and convenient way to stay in touch with family and friends. Fast forward to today, and social media is now a tool used by businesses and digital influencers to build brands and entertain audiences. More than that, social media has become a place that can simultaneously make you feel happy, sad, bullied, uplifted, connected, or disconnected.
As it turns out, one company has spent some time analyzing the effects of social media on our social lives, and found that these social platforms have actually made us less likely to seek out time without friends and family. In fact, the new study by Pernod Ricard reveals that we’re losing our knack for developing real human connection as technology plays a greater role in our daily lives.
The survey by Pernod Ricard assessed global attitudes towards conviviality (the quality of being friendly and lively; friendliness) in 11 countries on 5 continents with nearly 11,500 respondents.
1. Two-thirds of Australians think that the world is less convivial than it was five years ago – a rate that’s 5 per cent higher than the global average of 61 per cent.
2. 56 per cent of Australians say they meet up less with friends because of social media.
3. More than 70 per cent of respondents say they stay home to stream a film or TV show instead of connecting with family and friends in person.
4. 9 out of 10 Australians reported that they want more real-life connections.
5. Almost half of Australians (47 per cent) feel that their relationships with friends are becoming more superficial as a result of social media.
If those 5 reasons aren’t good enough to disconnect you from your phone, what is?
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