A third (32%) of Europeans are more outgoing and confident online than when they meet people in person. A similar number (31%) find it easier to build new friendships online or on social media. However, 53% of people who say they ‘feel lonely all the time’ also say they spend at least five hours a day online
Meeting people online has never been easier or as accessible. From dating apps and social media to popular forums, millions are regularly making friends via the internet. In fact, new research from Kaspersky has found that Europeans are so invested in virtual relationships that one-in-three (31%) say theyfind it easier to build new friendships online. Yet, despite the boom in online relationships, those spending a lot of their time connecting with others digitally are more likely to feel lonely.
People have become more accustomed to meeting others through online platforms and this behaviour has gradually become the norm. Many people now feel more comfortable finding their tribe online than face-to-face, with around one-in-three (31%) saying they find it easier to portray themselves as how they want to be seen online than in person. A similar number (32%) also say they are more outgoing and confident than when they meet people in person.
However, this rise in online relationships has also led to many people feeling isolated and lonely as they are not necessarily as concerned about connecting with others in person. The research revealed that half (53%) of people who use social media and online forums say they ‘feel lonely all the time’ and spend at least five hours per day online. This may indicate that those spending more of their time on the internet are likelier to feel lonelier than those who are not as active online.
Kaspersky also found that around a fifth (18%) of Europeans feel that the emotional connection they have with online friends is stronger than with friends who they meet in person.
Kathleen Saxton, a psychotherapist and founder of Psyched, believes that people’s reliance on technology could be considered as a form of addiction and that may be playing its own part in perpetuating loneliness. She says, “Could technology finally feel emotionally addictive? While some may overly use technology under ‘normal’ circumstances, video calling and instant messaging are often considered to be a lifeline in helping people feel less lonely. The breadth of platforms being used has widened and people are feeling more confident when using them. Many of us have adapted and adopted online services in an effort to heal our own hearts.”
“Technology has no doubt played a crucial role in improving people’s social lives, with many more apps and online channels available to keep us connected. While these platforms can be greatly beneficial, we must also bear in mind the challenges they may bring. It is important to be wary that people we meet online may not exactly be who they claim to be. Whenever meeting anybody online, Kaspersky recommends being vigilant and keeping sensitive information, like financial and personal data, to yourself,” comments David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky.
Further findings from Kaspersky’s latest research are available in the full Find Your Tribe report online.
Kaspersky is also taking steps to help people stay safe online with information, including guides on smartphone protection and securing your digital life, now accessible via the company’s blog.
ENDS
Research Methodology
Arlington Research, an independent market research agency, conducted market research on behalf of Kaspersky in 12 European countries, plus Japan. Countries surveyed include UK (2,000 respondents), France (1,000 respondents), Germany (1,000 respondents), Italy (1,000 respondents), Spain (1,000 respondents), The Netherlands (1,000 respondents), Belgium (500 respondents), Portugal (500 respondents), The Czech Republic (500 respondents), Austria (500 respondents), Hungary (500 respondents), Romania (500 respondents) and Japan (500 respondents). The research is nationally representative of adults aged 18+ years old in each country surveyed regarding gender, age and region (+/- 2%). The research was conducted in accordance with ESOMAR market research guidelines. The data used in this press release is based on European data from an unweighted respondent base of 10,000 respondents. UK data within the total European data set has been down - weighted from 2,000 to 1,000 respondents so that the UK data is equivalent to key EU markets by GDP.
About Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 270,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.
