Over half of Brits now rely on social media to feel connected to their local community, a recent study has found.
In total, 74% of Brits reported having spoken with their neighbours recently, with one in four considering their neighbours as friends.
This reflects a positive trend towards individuals seeking more personal connections within their immediate surroundings.
The research, conducted among 2,000 adults by Playsee, the social media platform focused on neighbourhood-centric connectivity and discovery, highlighted that staying close to our local community remains important for many, with social media playing a significant role in how we connect with our neighbours.
Neighbours engage in conversations about a wide range of topics, with family matters and the ever-relevant weather topping the list at 45% and 44%, respectively. Additionally, a notable 77% of participants discussed local news and issues, indicating a strong sense of community and shared interest in neighbourhood affairs.
While social media often faces criticism for its negative effects, it also plays a vital role in bringing communities together.
In fact, over half of Brits feel they learn more about their local community on social media than in person, demonstrating how the evolving digital world is drawing communities closer together. Many now rely more on social media platforms, such as WhatsApp or Facebook groups, to stay informed about local happenings.
When asked about the biggest advantages of social media engagement with neighbours, 39% appreciate being able to keep up with local news and stay informed about their immediate surroundings, 28% value the convenience and efficiency of connecting with nearby friends and neighbours, and 21% relish the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared interests.
This also extends beyond friendly chats to supporting the local economy. When asked if social platforms can help small businesses build relationships with local customers and increase foot traffic, a notable 78% responded positively.
Veronica Lin of Playsee commented: “There’s no denying that communities are an important part of our lives, and it’s great to see from the study that the strong community bonds that were strengthened during the pandemic haven’t deteriorated, but in fact continue to play an important role.
“But despite us living in close proximity, we’re not all able to connect in real life as much as we’d like to, with meaningful interactions over the proverbial “garden fence” less frequent. At Playsee, we believe that community is at the heart of our local experiences, it elevates where we live from somewhere transient, to somewhere we call home. With its unique Community feature, Playsee is revitalising local connections and bringing neighbours together. Whether it’s catching up over a cup of tea or sharing a love for a Sunday roast, Playsee is all about fostering genuine connections with those around us.”
Playsee is more than just another social media app; it’s a catalyst for building genuine connections and fostering a sense of community. Launched in the UK in 2023, Playsee has gained over 1 billion user engagements and has 50 million downloads worldwide, bringing people closer to their real-life community.
Playsee is free and available to download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on Android and iOS systems.
