62% of UK adults do not regularly speak to another person about their questions or doubts around friendships, family, romantic relationships and work, according to new search data from Google and YouGov. 31% said they feel more comfortable consulting Google before speaking to another person, with almost two thirds (64%) of the nation seeing Google as a safe space they can ask questions without judgement.
Post-pandemic, 50% of UK adults admit they are putting their interpersonal relationships under the microscope as we return to ‘normal’ society, with surprising emphasis on friendships in particular. We are thinking about the changes we face within friendships the most (56%), followed by work choices (49%), family (44%) and romantic relationships (23%). Trending searches for “how can I meet new friends?” and ““is it ok to split the bill on a date?” are at an all time high. Despite this, a further 40% want to be able to have more open discussions, particularly about family life (34%) and relationships (33%).
Google’s “ItsOKToAsk” campaign highlights the power of asking questions as a way to help us learn more and get closer to those around us. Commenting on the findings of the research, Emma Gannon says: “The research shows that we want to change our lives, self-improve, do better and learn more, however, setting boundaries and change is not easy. I’m very honest with my friends, but there are some topics I’d definitely rather Google initially. Even though we should absolutely ask each other for help, sometimes it can be easier to sit with the problem by yourself first. It’s interesting to see people using Google as a starting point for conversations about parenthood. Personally, I have always known that having children of my own is not the path I want to go down and I feel empowered by having found a solid child-free-by-choice online community that reflects how I want to live my life. I feel less alone when I talk to other women who are child-free, some of which are all over the world, and I’m thankful that searching on Google enables that connection”.
