Social media adds another dimension to watching tv. According to a new study, “TV & Video Consumer Trend Report 2011” from Ericsson ConsumerLab, more than 40% of consumers use social media while they are watching tv, on a weekly basis.
Anders Erlandsson, Senior Advisor at Ericsson ConsumerLab, says:
“Our in-depth interviews – especially those in the us, which is a frontrunner in TV/video consumer trends – show how social media usage is impacting viewing. The majority of families combined TV viewing with the use of Twitter, facebook, texting, voice calls and forum discussions about what they watched. This is particularly the case when watching reality shows and sports. This communication adds another dimension to the TV experience, as consumers found an annoying reality show funnier when they were able to comment on social media about ‘terrible singers’, ugly clothing or when your favorite team scores a goal. It is safe to say that this behavior is increasing. It is time to welcome the ‘virtual TV sofa’.”
Data was collected in Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK, the US and South Korea.