Staying connected with our loved ones has been particularly tough in recent times. While face-to-face interactions have been limited, we’ve relied on social media and phone calls to keep each other in the loop. And it’d be a pretty good guess to assume that apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger were our most used means of staying connected…but you’d be wrong.
Turns out, it’s through online gaming that Aussies are staying in touch!
New research by Playstation Australia has shown that over 4.5 million Aussies are using online gaming to stay connected to their family and friends. In fact, just over half a million use online gaming as their primary source of communication.
Key Findings
- Over half (52%) of Australian gamers have used online gaming to stay connected to people they haven’t been able to see over the last 18-months
- 51% of Australians agree that online gaming has a positive effect on their social life.
- One in four (25%) gamers are using online gaming as their preferred form of communication to stay connected with friends and family over any other communications platform.
- 17% choosing to connect through gaming more than online video calls.
- 14% using it more than phone calls.
- 14% choosing gaming over social media platforms.
- 12% opting to stay connected through gaming over texting.
- Nearly 1 in 10 Australians (8%) surveyed have formed a romantic partnership or bonded with their partner through online gaming.
- More than two-thirds (68%) of Australian gamers agreed that online gaming has had a positive impact on their mental health over the past year – 47% of Baby Boomers and 44% of retirees also claim online gaming has helped their mental health.
What do the stats indicate?
Online gaming is a growing trend, and in a time where digital is at its most important only means that this trend will continue to grow. Over half believe it has a positive impact on their social lives, and that’s because it’s a means of communication that entertains and keeps us in contact with our loved ones.
And this is not only the case for the younger generations. Baby Boomers (47%) and even retirees (44%) have praised the positive impact that online gaming has had on their mental health. And who, knows, it could expand further than just platonic friendships with 8% of Aussies sparking some sort of romantic relationship.
Online gaming is clearly beneficial beyond its entertainment, it clearly brings joy and connection with those closest to us. It gives people the chance to feel together even when apart.
For a limited time, you can experience this for yourself with free access to Playstation Plus from Saturday, October 2 at 12:01 AM AEST, to Monday, October 4 at 11:59 PM AEST.
“To enable more people to experience connecting with loved ones in new ways through online gaming, we are delighted to offer Australians the chance to experience the connectivity and enjoyment that online gaming brings on PlayStation for free this weekend,” said Pat Lagana, Director of Marketing at Sony Interactive Australia.
For more info, click here.