
The survey, which polled 2,005 British respondents, revealed striking patterns. An impressive 62% of individuals aged 25-34 reported heightened social media activity during these high-profile occasions. Similarly, 53% of those in the 16-24 age bracket indicated increased platform usage during such events.
Love Island, in particular, has made a notable impact. The study found that 45% of respondents in the 25-34 age group and 44% of those aged 16-24 encountered more Love Island-related content this summer compared to previous years. Additionally, over one-fifth (22%) of all participants expressed a higher likelihood of following contestants after exposure to related content.
While these figures are substantial, they also suggest that social media has not yet become the sole medium for engagement during these events. Nevertheless, this trend presents a valuable opportunity for marketers to connect with younger demographics through targeted social media strategies.

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The research also yielded important insights for e-commerce enterprises:
1. Social media engagement significantly influences purchasing behavior, particularly among younger consumers. Notably, 31% of all respondents indicated they’re more inclined to purchase from brands they interact with on social platforms.
2. Approximately 32% of survey participants agreed that brand content enhances their experience of watching or following major events, making these occasions more enjoyable and engaging.
Tom Stone, Co-Founder of Re:act, underscored the importance of these findings:
“Major cultural events on social media provide brands with an excellent opportunity to engage Gen Z and Millennials. These occasions are infrequent, so brands need to prepare well in advance to maximize their campaign effectiveness.”
For businesses aiming to attract Gen Z and Millennial consumers during high-profile events, these findings highlight the critical importance of a well-designed social media approach. As major events offer unique engagement opportunities, brands that effectively capitalize on these moments stand to gain considerable traction with younger audiences.