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ADULTS in the UK are sending an average of 58 hours of voice notes each year, with over a third of respondents believing that these notes are now substituting real-life interactions.
A survey conducted with 2,000 adults revealed that, on average, they record six voice notes per day, with each typically lasting around 95 seconds.
38 percent of Brits report that they often spend an entire evening recording messagesCredit: SWNS
19 percent indicate that their voice notes exceed five minutesCredit: SWNS
Consequently, 22 percent have experienced boredom while listening to lengthy notes, and 15 percent have described the process as tedious.
Four out of ten (38 percent) of those who frequently send voice notes have even spent a whole evening recording messages instead of meeting someone face-to-face.
With 19 percent admitting to sending notes longer than five minutes, and 51 percent opting for a voice note instead of a real-life discussion when they are pressed for time.
This research was commissioned by Heineken to celebrate the introduction of new technology that encourages face-to-face interactions rather than sending voice notes, currently being piloted in Brazil with plans to expand to more markets.
To take advantage of this offer, WhatsApp users in eligible regions aged over 18 must forward a voice note longer than three minutes to a private, encrypted bot to receive a voucher for a complimentary beer and recommendations for local bars.
Nabil Nasser, global head of the beer brand, stated: “Voice notes can feel more personal than reading a message.”
“However, our research indicates that we need to ensure they don’t evolve into mini-podcasts, and that we engage in two-way conversations rather than extended monologues.”
The study also found that 47 percent believe the number of lengthy voice notes they receive has increased in the past five years, with one in 20 individuals receiving recordings that exceed ten minutes.
Despite this trend of lengthy recordings, 88 percent admitted they have forgotten what someone said while listening to one.
Among these, 37 percent were distracted midway through, while 30 percent blamed the length of the note for their inability to recall any details.
Nevertheless, 70 percent of those surveyed, via OnePoll, still believe that the most fulfilling conversations occur in person, with only seven percent claiming that voice note exchanges are more meaningful.
Nabil Nasser further added: “We aim to facilitate real-life social interactions.”
“That’s why we have introduced the ‘Could have been a Heineken’ WhatsApp bot, encouraging people to replace lengthy voice notes with refreshing, face-to-face meetups over a beer, of course.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many voice notes do adults in the UK send each year?
Adults in the UK send an average of 58 hours worth of voice notes each year.
What percentage of people believe voice notes are replacing real-life interactions?
More than a third of respondents believe that voice notes are now substituting real-life interactions.
What is the initiative launched by Heineken regarding voice notes?
Heineken has launched a WhatsApp bot that incentivizes users to send voice notes longer than three minutes in exchange for a voucher for a free beer and suggestions for local bars.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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