Almost half of Irish people have noticed an improvement in community spirit during Covid-19 lockdowns

Almost half of Irish people have noticed an improvement in community spirit in their local area as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, according to new research from the .IE, the company that manages Ireland’s country domain .ie.

The research, released today, reveals that 47% of people in Ireland feel that community spirit has increased over the past twelve months, with those aged between 25 and 34 most likely to have noticed a positive change.

According to the research, digital technologies such as social media, video conferencing platforms, and websites have played a significant role in keeping people connected through the pandemic with almost half (46%) of people saying that they have had more family interactions as a result of using these digital tools.

A further 39% report increased interaction with friends through digital technologies over the same period. Furthermore, one in four report making new social connections through online community initiatives during the pandemic.

Staying connected

The research reveals that social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook  Messenger have been the most popular way for people to stay connected throughout the pandemic, with a total of 64% of people using these platforms.

These apps are followed by:

? Social media networks including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (20%)

? Zoom and video conferencing software (8%)

? Websites, forums, or discussion boards (3%)

? Multiplayer video games (2%)

More than two in five say they have taken up a digital or online hobby to stay connected, with baking and cooking (16%) proving the most popular hobby, followed by movie nights (15%) and exercise classes (14%). One in six reports participating in online community initiatives.

Overall, the majority of people (71%) report having a positive experience with digital tools over the past 12 months. However, according to the research, almost a quarter of those surveyed noted a decline in their broadband quality over the same period  (24%).

.IE Digital Town Awards

This research follows the launch of the inaugural .IE Digital Town Awards on 22 March,  part of a €1 million investment by .IE to enable a nation of ‘digital towns’ across Ireland.

Commenting on the .IE Digital Town Awards, Oonagh McCutcheon, Corporate  Communications Manager at .IE said:

“The .IE Digital Town Awards have been developed to recognise the good work and achievements of local towns that have used digital technologies to keep their communities connected over the past twelve months.

“The awards have a total prize fund of €100,000 across 14 categories. These  categories honour local town projects and people that have demonstrated how digital  projects have contributed to enhancements in areas such as health, tourism,  education, public services, employment opportunities, citizen empowerment, and  social entrepreneurship.”

Eleven of the awards will be “shining a light” on digital town projects, with a further three special awards recognising a Digital Changemaker, Digital Rising Star, and a  Digital Hero – all of which will be decided on by an independent judging panel.

Ms McCutcheon said: “For the Digital Changemaker award, the judges want to see a town that demonstrates how it has taken proactive steps using digital technology or innovation to effect positive change that benefits the whole community.

“For the Digital Rising Star, the judges will be looking for a town that is an emerging talent in digital with the potential to be a future digital leader for the whole country.

“The Digital Hero, meanwhile, will be someone in the community who is working  tirelessly on projects or initiatives for the betterment of the town or community they live  in.”

Award applications close at 5 pm on Friday 23 April, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in early June.

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