Shift in Cultural Consumption Habits During Lockdown Detailed by Latest Survey Results
A comprehensive study into the UK's cultural consumption habits during the lockdown period has been published, offering valuable insights into how people engaged with culture during this unique time. Commissioned by the Public Engagement Commission (PEC) and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and conducted by Audience Net, the survey spanned nine weeks from April to September 2020.
The study, which analyses data from the ninth and final wave of the survey conducted from September 14th to 20th, revealed several key findings. For instance, streaming was more common than downloading during lockdown for all three content categories (music, film, and TV). This shift towards streaming is a testament to the convenience and accessibility of online platforms during the lockdown.
Interestingly, the survey did not include questions about radio or podcasts, potentially leaving room for future exploration. In terms of physical purchases, the end of lockdown saw a considerable uptick in physical purchases of music and video games, suggesting a resurgence in traditional consumption methods among younger age groups.
The study also found that people spent the most time watching television during lockdown. Approximately half of respondents had ever watched filmed performances or looked at art online in week 1, with around a fifth of those having started engaging with each activity since the pandemic.
Despite the relaxation of lockdown measures, reported anxiety levels were highest at the start of lockdown and remained stable even as shops, pubs, and restaurants reopened. The survey aimed to measure the impact of lockdown on the creative industries by asking about people's habits of cultural consumption.
A series of policy briefs have been published in conjunction with this study, providing further analysis and recommendations for the creative industries. These include briefs on the geography of the creative industries, R&D in the creative industries, audiences and workforce in arts, culture, and heritage, authors' earnings in the UK, and creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns, among others.
The report in question is an analysis of the data from wave 9 of the survey, which offers a snapshot of cultural consumption habits towards the end of the lockdown period. For more detailed findings, official announcements, press releases, or the organisations' websites are recommended for the published report from the PEC, IPO, or Audience Net.
Illegal access to content either remained consistent or decreased in most categories during lockdown, with exceptions being video games and music downloading. The proportion of people who used video conferencing software for work was highest in wave 9 at 31%.
This study provides a valuable resource for understanding how the UK public engaged with culture during the lockdown period, offering insights that can help shape future policy and support the creative industries moving forward.
- The study, published by the Public Engagement Commission (PEC) and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), presents data from nine weeks of cultural consumption habits during the lockdown period.
- Streaming was more common than downloading across all three content categories (music, film, and TV) during the lockdown.
- The shift towards streaming is a testament to the convenience and accessibility of online platforms during the lockdown.
- The survey did not include questions about radio or podcasts, opening potential opportunities for future exploration.
- Physically purchasing music and video games saw a notable increase at the end of lockdown among younger age groups.
- People spent the most time watching television during lockdown, displaying a new trend in cultural consumption.
- Despite the relaxation of lockdown measures, reported anxiety levels remained stable.
- The survey aimed to measure the impact of lockdown on the creative industries, specifically cultural consumption habits.
- A series of policy briefs have been published, providing analysis and recommendations for the creative industries.
- The report offers a snapshot of cultural consumption habits towards the end of the lockdown period.
- Illegal access to content either remained consistent or decreased in most categories during lockdown, with exceptions being video games and music downloading.
- The proportion of people using video conferencing software for work peaked in wave 9 at 31%.
- This study serves as a valuable resource for understanding the UK public's engagement with culture during the lockdown, aiding in shaping future policy and supporting the creative industries.
