Less face to face, more virtual! This is what we can learn from the observations made by Meta in its latest report. The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the way we interact with each other on many levels. Teleworking, virtual reality meetings, videoconferences, audio rooms… Technology and digital tools have both been a valuable aid and have left their mark on our lifestyles.
Yes, the return to “the front” is not necessarily on the program. Some changes are now permanent and brands must take into account the new expectations of consumers in terms of connection and access to information.
The Meta Foresight team – formerly Facebook IQ – sought to learn more about this reboot in our social relationships. Three trends can then be identified:
- 72% of Internet users surveyed say that the pandemic has caused them to sort out their circle of close friends.
- Young people prefer more immersive technologies (augmented and virtual reality) to connect with each other. While specifying that the latter will make it possible to improve real contacts in the future.
- More than one in three people admit to having reassessed their life priorities following the pandemic.
These observations obviously apply to relationships with brands. Consumers want more transparency, immersion and authentic contacts. The technological tools and the priorities of each thus come together and will perhaps allow, in the near future, new opportunities for Internet users to exchange more.
At the end of the crisis, a “reboot” is necessary in order to start again on a good basis. The Internet of tomorrow, according to Meta’s analysis, must be more centered on human relations in order to offer a stronger experience to consumers. From one generation to another, expectations differ. But, between friends as with brands, priority is given to the quality of relationships. It remains to be seen if the metaverse provides a satisfactory solution to all these little people!