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The Coronavirus in Italy: keeping up with a new reality
A data-based report on COVID-19 that reveals how it is setting new paradigms for Italians
Preliminary remarks
This report provides data-driven insights about the global pandemic with special attention to Italy. By analysing Google Trends and social media information, it focuses on the changes it has had on priorities of life, the practical terms of quarantine and the rise in acts of solidarity.
This report is in no way intended to distract from the fact that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus is first and foremost a human tragedy affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
As the situation is evolving rapidly, please note that this page reflects the data collected up until 24 March 2020.
Intro
The European timeline of restricting freedom
In order to combat the exponential spread of the pandemic and save lives, governments are taking strict measures that will affect the lives of all Europeans and increase their desire for information about “Coronavirus” – which is directly reflected in the search volume for this term.
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Data retrieved from Google trends for five countries on March 18th for the last 90 days.
Focus on Italy
Due to the rapid increase in new infections with COVID-19, the Italian government has decided to extend the lockdown from some specific zones to the whole country. From 9 March, Italians are only allowed to leave their homes for certain reasons, which must be proven by self-certification.
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In search of physical contact, online
People forced into quarantine express their need for physical contact with others by telling their family members and partners how much they miss kissing and hugging. The most negative effect of the restriction of freedom does not seem to be movement itself, but the possibility of having actual contact with people.
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Source: Brandwatch
Sense of community
Looking for points of reference to feel part of a community
In order to counteract the isolation, the online behaviour of Italians shows that they are looking for points of reference and resort to the most important values in order to feel part of a community – both in the sphere of their families and in the nation.
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Feeling part of a family
The first way for Italians to find a reference point is to feel part of their family. According to their online searches, their answer to isolation is to keep their children and family members occupied with leisure activities, as well as preparing and enjoying traditional family meals together. In this context, digital technology is also used to overcome distances and connect with family members and friends who may live far.
TRADITIONAL AND FAMILY FOOD
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Source: Google Trends
ACTIVITIES TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER AT HOME
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Source: Google Trends
DIGITAL AS A TOOL OF CONNECTION BETWEEN FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
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Source: Google Trends
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Feeling united as a Nation
Even if the Italians are very patriotic, they are rediscovering themselves as a nation at this moment of crisis. Thanks to the use of social media, activities such as singing together online and offline are taking place throughout Italy.
BALCONY FLASH MOB
Thanks to the coordination through social media, Italians sing the Italian hymn and popular songs together every night at 6 p.m.
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TRENDING HASHTAGS TO CREATE OPTIMISM
Many hashtags like #andratuttobene, #celafaremo #forzaitaliacelafaremo have become viral and are used to spread optimism in the country.
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Feeling of solidarity
Solidarity at every level
In this moment of crisis, everyone is putting in their skills and resources to provide service for the community.
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Citizens
Many citizens donate money or part of their free time to help weak people. The volume of searches for volunteer work, shopping for the elderly and homeless has increased during the quarantine. Especially famous entrepreneurs and fashion companies donated millions. Among them, for example, the fashion company Armani, which donated 1.25 million euros to Italian hospitals, and the Ferrero and Agnelli families, who each contributed 10 million euros in the context of the crisis.
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Source: Google Trends
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Service providers
Many companies that provide digital services are offering them for free or with special discounts. In order to give citizens an overview, the Italian government has created a website that lists all the offers.
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Companies
Many companies are switching their production to goods that are in short supply. The textile and fashion industry in particular are converting its facilities to the production of respiratory masks.
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Influencers
Influencers use their popularity to collect donations. Many of them have used their credibility to raise funds and get their supporters involved in the donations.
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Artists
Many artists are using social media to offer their performance to people forced to stay home. Singers and musicians are sharing their live performance via Instagram, offering free concerts with the hashtag #iosuonodacasa (I play from home).