3 in 4 Americans find it easier to relate to people online than in real life

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE…TIKTOK? MORE THAN SEVEN IN 10 (73%) AMERICANS FIND IT EASIER TO RELATE TO STRANGERS ONLINE THAN TO THOSE THEY KNOW IN REAL LIFE.

{VO}

A RECENT SURVEY OF 2,000 U.S. ADULTS BY THRIFTBOOKS REVEALS ABOUT HALF (45%) ATTRIBUTE THAT TO BEING MORE COMFORTABLE COMMUNICATING IN WRITTEN FORM.

PLUS, 43% SAY THEY CAN CHAT WITH THEIR VIRTUAL PALS FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME.

MORE THAN A THIRD (35%) FEEL A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY WHEN DISCUSSING THEIR FAVORITE MEDIA ONLINE. 

HOWEVER, WHEN IT COMES TO TRENDS, MEN FEEL MORE PRESSURE THAN WOMEN TO READ THE LATEST TRENDING BOOK (71% VS. 62%).

OVERALL, OVER HALF (55%) ARE PART OF A HOBBY-BASED COMMUNITY, WITH VISUAL ARTS (29%), READING (28%) AND GAMING (28%) PROVING MOST POPULAR.

WHAT CAUSES THE GREATEST FOMO?

• Movies - 57%
• TV shows or series - 55%
• Podcasts - 47%
• Concerts - 46%
• Books - 42%
• Sporting events - 40%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who use social media was commissioned by ThriftBooks between November 8 and November 11, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).