In times of trouble, Australians are turning to alcohol like never before.
Credit card data from banks CBA and ANZ show alcohol expenditure is up 20.4 per cent compared to this period 12 months ago, according to the AFR.
This is dwarfed by a 74.1 per cent increase in food goods purchases.
And according to new research from media intelligence company Isentia, our spending habits have been matched by our social conversations.
When Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the initial round of enforced lockdowns on Sunday, including of pubs and cafes, many were concerned whether or not this would be extended to bottleshops.
“Following the lockdown, there has been a steep spike in conversations around liquor, as topics such as toilet paper and food have levelled off,” said Isentia insights specialist ANZ Andrew Ledovskikh.
Social media is also being used as a platform to share concerns and ideas on how to best cope with life in social isolation.
“There is a very apparent shift in the conversation and people’s concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. They are turning to each other for ideas and advice on how they can overcome this crisis individually,” added.
“As more people are practicing social distancing and self-isolation, there has also been a spike in social media use as they’re looking for ways to remain connected and maintain a somewhat normal life in the midst of this pandemic.”
