Virtual is here to stay

A year into the pandemic and a virtual lifestyle is the reality for many people. Remote work and online education are just the start - many people have taken a virtual approach to the way they shop, socialise, stay connected with friends and family, and much more. The interesting thing is that research shows this shift is here to stay.

"Working remotely has accelerated the use of video meeting platforms that keep us connected, whether that's through a computer, mobile device or - as we ease back to offices - conference room system," says John Knightly, chief marketing officer for BlueJeans by Verizon based in the US. "What's interesting is our research shows that these platforms are being used for personal reasons more frequently than ever before. People are handling personal to-do's and connecting with friends and family virtually, which signals that video communications platforms have become commonplace in everyday life."

Knightly says the findings from a recent survey from BlueJeans by Verizon demonstrates that people are connecting via videoconferencing for a variety of reasons, both personal and professional.* BlueJeans is a meetings and events platform that empowers organisations with secure video collaboration for a work-from-anywhere world.

How are people using video connections in their personal lives to stay connected in meaningful ways? Here are the top findings:

Sharing festive meals virtually

Nearly half of all respondents (45.11%) said they would celebrate family meals virtually for everyday events like sporting events, as well as holidays, like Passover and Easter. Whether it's cooking a formal meal and enjoying it together via video chat or making favourite stadium snacks and watching the game together digitally, this trend is growing.

Attending religious services virtually

The survey found nearly one-third (31.69%) of people would consider attending religious services together. This helps keep people safe because large groups are not gathering together indoors. Many will continue to participate in religious services together using video conferencing platforms.

Virtual shopping with friends and family

People who enjoy shopping together are finding new ways to shop from the safety and comfort of their homes. When it comes to shopping habits, nearly one-third (31.29%) of people would consider gathering with friends and family for virtual shopping gatherings, while more than half were seeking to purchase household goods (52.62%) and the others clothing (50.25%).

Family gatherings and gaming virtually

Nearly one-third (31.29%) would consider gathering with friends and family for virtual get-togethers and many others (35.74%) would participate in trivia games virtually with friends and family. Pick a date for an upcoming weekend, send invites to your friends and family, and get ready to make memories with an awesome virtual game night gathering.

Looking ahead to the future of virtual life

According to the study, half of people (50.25%) would consider attending virtual concerts and entertainment via videoconferencing, while more than one-third (37.31%) would take up virtual cooking, wine tastings or craft classes in 2021. Another 20% expressed interest in adding an interactive virtual component to their "watch parties" for live broadcasts like sporting events. Whether it's enjoying a favorite hobby, a get-together with friends or a date night in, virtual possibilities are plentiful in the future.

No matter what you plan to do to stay connected, you need a video meeting platform that is flexible and reliable. Thousands of companies from growing businesses to Fortune 500 leaders use BlueJeans every day for video meetings and interactive virtual events, so people can work productively where and how they want.