How Online Habits of Australians Changed Since Covid
COVID-19 has drastically affected the habits of people across the globe, and Australians are no different. Lockdowns and restrictions imposed on citizens at the start of the pandemic led to a cascade of events, which included the shutting down of several venues like offices, schools, and restaurants. Casinos were also not left out in the shutdowns, a move that led more Aussie gamblers to cutting-edge iGaming sites like online casino Syndicate.
Nationwide lockdowns meant that people had to stay confined or had limited options when it came to movement. While doing tasks, shopping, and interacting with friends and family over the internet was already an option before the Coronavirus, the onset of the virus led to a massive shift in online user behaviour. In Australia, a great number of residents resolved to use the Internet to get things done in lots of areas, more than ever before.
Online Consumer and Worker Behavioural Changes Among Aussies
Like in many societies and countries in the world, the Covid-19 pandemic drastically altered the online habits of Australians. The average Aussie’s life has significantly changed since the virus broke out at the beginning of 2020. Measures introduced by the government forced service providers and consumers to rethink the way goods and services were delivered amidst an international crisis.
When vaccines were finally rolled out countrywide and all restrictions lifted, many internet use habits for Aussies that came or were escalated by the pandemic stuck. Here are some of the most significant ways in which online trends have changed in Australia since the onset of COVID-19 to date:
Health and Fitness
When fitness centres were shut down in March 2020, proprietors and clients were all hit with over 6,000 facilities closing doors to any in-person activities. This was a wake-up call for gym and fitness facility owners as well as for customers, and many took to the online space to stay fit and keep virtual fitness classes going.
Increased Use of Video Conferencing
Conference platforms such as Zoom may have been around way before the pandemic. However, after the outbreak, employers, employees, and clients had to work remotely and still stay in touch, presenting relevant content to keep each other updated on projects and other work-related deliverables.
A Surge in Online Shopping
E-commerce has been a key area to watch out for, and Covid fast-tracked the prominence of the industry. For instance, shipping companies were pushed to upgrade their technologies to accommodate a confined consumer. With shopping made simpler from the comfort of one’s home, it was only a matter of time before Australians were ordering more stuff over the Internet. This trend has stuck till now, and although the pandemic is soon to be a thing of the past, Aussies are still reaping the benefits of the convenience of purchasing goods online.
Rise in Streaming and Online Entertainment
As the time spent at home was more than that spent outdoors, consumers found escape from the realities of the pandemic in streaming sites such as:
- Netflix
- Stan
- Disney+
- Prime Video
- Binge
- YouTube
These platforms have been instrumental in helping Australians keep themselves occupied and most importantly, entertained.
Increase in Social Media Use
This was an inevitable outcome of the pandemic as users were already growing attached to their devices and consequently, to social media sites. Covid has not only influenced how much time is spent on social networks but also created more users that actively share content on these platforms. Social media has also been a vital tool by which many Australians have been able to stay connected with friends and family. The top social media and messaging platforms currently used by Australian internet users are as follows:
- FB Messenger
- TikTok
- iMessage
- Snapchat
Greater Emphasis on Digital Communication
This is closely related to social media but on a more personal or professional level, depending on the situation. Australians have been increasingly using digital communication platforms and apps such as messaging apps and emails to exchange information with colleagues, family, and friends.
Online learning
When schools and universities closed, many students had to shift to online learning. This has led to a greater emphasis on online learning tools such as:
- Zoom
- Google Classroom
- Moodle
- Open edX
- Classtime
The result has been a major save on resources and fees.
Closing Thoughts
The scale to which the Covid-19 pandemic has altered lives and daily routines is vast. And the effects continue to be felt over a year after society started resuming normal activities and began adapting to the ‘new normal’. Everyday activities are now much easier to accomplish online than ever before. The time and money that Australians have discovered can be saved from slight adjustments to their habits has made a difference in how society carries on with social and professional lives.
