People’s lives have changed rapidly due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection. On the other hand, even if new ways and means are created to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic, the essential values that people seek in their lives will remain the same.
When something “changes”, there is a “driving force” that evokes it. Google believes that by understanding the “driving forces” rather than just focusing on the superficial “changes,” we can envision services that support people who are trying to adapt to change.
In this article, we will explain how people’s lives have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and introduce the characteristics of the new lifestyle revealed by Google’s survey results.
Characteristic 1. I want to feel secure by not relying on others.
Up until now, it was considered “safe” to stay within established societies and companies, but the coronavirus has hit society and the economy hard, shaking the foundations and exposing uncertainty. Driven by the desire to feel safe by making changes themselves, according to Google, more than one in four people worked to acquire new knowledge and skills such as cooking, languages, qualifications, and programming. .
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
Additionally, in a survey of people’s attitudes during the coronavirus pandemic, while the desire to “want someone to help me” is on the decline, the desire to “want to do better than before” is on the rise. They are trying to gain a sense of security by making changes themselves, without relying on society or companies.
Characteristic 2. We want to maintain connections through separation.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, people are increasingly refraining from going out, and working from home and interacting online have rapidly spread. What used to be called “soto” has entered “home”, making it difficult to distinguish between “soto” and “home”, and according to Google, 23.7% of people felt cramped. Many people want to separate their “home” and “home” lives, and are actually trying to create a boundary between “home” and “home”, such as rearranging their room or separating their work rooms. . On the other hand, we also found that many people said, “I realized the importance of spending time with my family and partner” and “I wanted to spend more time with my children.” Google concludes that the lack of a clear line between “home” and “home” has led people to be creative in how they interact with family, friends, and co-workers, trying to maintain traditional connections. Masu.
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
Characteristic 3. I want to get certain happiness from the little things.
In a situation where the future is uncertain, it is becoming difficult for people to feel “great happiness”. However, even if it is not “big happiness”, there is a tendency to seek “small happiness” that can be obtained by one’s own efforts.
As people have more free time due to refraining from going out, the number of people using free video distribution services, music distribution services, and playing games on PC has increased. It can be said that they enjoy their hobbies without being influenced by their surrounding environment and gain “small happiness.”
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
Additionally, there is interesting data that shows that the number of people purchasing cosmetics at department stores and large shopping centers has continued to increase since the state of emergency was lifted. Google speculates that this may be due to a sense of “a small reward for oneself facing a difficult situation.”
Characteristic 4. I want to reduce unnecessary things and have more leeway.
Online meetings have become commonplace in companies, and 57% of those who have experienced them said they would like to continue doing so. Benefits include not having to travel and reducing unnecessary conversations.
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
The elimination of commuting and travel, which used to be the norm, has given us an opportunity to reconsider the way we have been following precedent (offline) without thinking deeply. People will feel more free if they cut down on unnecessary things and have more time to spend. Google believes that by reevaluating your values and eliminating or reducing unnecessary things, you can create more space and space in your life.
Characteristic 5. I want to be safe by keeping track of “correct information”
With the development of the Internet and social media, we are now in an era where anyone can send out information. According to Google, 82.4% of people answered that they had information they wanted to know about the new coronavirus infection, while 55.9% of people said it was difficult to find the information they wanted amidst all the information floating around. I am.
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, where people are overflowing with information, it has been difficult to judge whether the information people want to know, such as the distribution of masks and disinfectants and the status of vaccine development, is actually “correct information.” As a result of this situation, more and more people are examining the accuracy of the information themselves, and a desire to obtain the correct information on their own has emerged. The driving force behind this is the desire to obtain the correct information and be safe.
Google concludes that continuing to pursue “correct information” will help protect your safety.
Source:
Google, Inc. “Interpreting people’s “hope” in a new lifestyle, deciphered from research”
summary
◆Google considers the following five characteristics of the new lifestyle during the coronavirus pandemic.
I want to feel secure by not relying on others. I want to maintain connection by separating myself. I want to gain certainty of happiness through small things. I want to reduce unnecessary things and have some leeway. I want to be safe by continuing to pursue the “right information.” I want to be
◆The criteria by which people choose methods and means is not only convenience and achieving a goal, but also the value they receive from such methods, such as a sense of security, small happiness, and peace of mind.
◆Google believes that by understanding the “driving forces” rather than just focusing on the superficial “changes”, we can envision services that support people who are trying to adapt to change.