As social distancing becomes the norm and people are staying indoors during these pandemic times, social networking platforms and video streaming services are growing increasingly popular among consumers in the UAE.

Usage of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix and other digital tools spiked by as much as 44 percent during the past few months, according to the latest data from the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

“[There has been] a significant increase in the use of social media platforms during the past months as a result of the measures taken to contain the spread,” the TRA said.

So much has changed in people’s lives since the virus spread worldwide. Consumers have been forced to stay indoors and move office work and social gatherings online. Meet-ups and hangouts have also been made possible, thanks to digital tools. 

Topping the list of sites with the biggest increase in user traffic in the UAE is Amazon Prime, which saw an increase of 44 percent in March, according to TRA.

Video-streaming provider Netflix came second on the list, with an increase in consumption of 26 percent, followed by Twitter at 22 percent.

Facebook emerged as the fourth-most popular site among UAE internet users, with an increase in traffic of 17 percent.

According to Facebook, the use of social networking platforms has increased further during the period of Ramadan, when more people feel the need to connect with their friends and loved ones.

“The impact of social distancing as a result of the COVId-19 crisis has been felt across industries and sectors, with technology and social media playing a critical role in connecting people, communities and businesses,” the social media giant said in a statement.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)

Cleofe.Maceda@refinitiv.com 

#Social media, #Coronavirus, #UAE

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