According to new research from the .IE -the company that manages Ireland's country domain .ie - 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.
This research follows the launch of the inaugural .IE Digital Town Awards, part of a €1 million investment to enable a nation of 'digital towns' across Ireland.
According to the research, digital platforms such as social media, video conferencing tools, 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 online over the same period. Social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger becoming the most popular way for people to stay connected, with a total of 64% of people using these platforms.
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 report participating in online community initiatives.
Overall, the majority of people (71%) report having positive experience with digital tools over the past 12 months. However, almost a quarter of those surveyed noted a decline in their broadband quality over the same period (24%).
Speaking on the launch of the .IE Digital Town Awards, Corporate Communications Manager Oonagh McCutcheon said that the awards have been developed to recognise the good work and achievements of local towns who 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," she explained.
"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 independent judging panel.
Award applications close at 5pm on Friday 23 April, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in early June.
