otherside.gr
Social networks succeeded to penetrate the Greek culture and are on track to displace even the Mediterranean ...flirt. This at least show the Microsoft survey results. The survey was conducted online from Windows Live Group across 10 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. It involved total 19,730 people, 1,324 of whom were Greeks. So, 27% of the Greeks believe that the Internet is the easiest way of dating. 1 out of 3 turned the online dating into relationship, 32% admit that they confessed their love on the Instant Messenger, and 33% have found love online. 8% have turned their relationship into a happy marriage, and 25% - into a long relationship. It is worth noting, however, that despite the popular online dating the "match" by friends remains the most popular method of dating in Greece.
Yet, 54% admit that they prefer to flirt on Instant Messenger rather than face to face. "The Greeks have drifted away from each other. There are taboos in our society and furthermore we are not sure of ourselves. It is difficult for us to speak to another person,” commented the phenomenon Dionisis Sakelaropoulos, manager of one of the internet cafes of the famous chain GNET in Athens. Dionisis explained that the club's customers are mainly young people from 15 to 25 years, but more adults started to visit the place lately. The reason? People are increasingly connected with the Internet. "They use the services of the network, chat on Skype, check emails, contact via facebook". As regards with the social networks connection, his observations confirm that it is particularly strong. This shows the data too. 63% of the users have a profile in the social network, while the average level for Europe is 45%. This high percentage ranked Greece third in Europe after Denmark and Norway. 33% of the Greeks update their profile daily, while just 15% of the users in Europe do this. 37% of the Greeks check the profile of their friends. The figure in Europe is much lower - 19%.
However, online flirting is one thing, while online buying is completely different. Here reign mistrust and suspicion. Although the Internet is largely used, Greek consumers definitely shy away from online payments. According to data of the Internet & Mobile MC DC survey, only 1 in 10 Greeks used the network in 2010 to order or buy a product. In Europe the average level is 3.5 times higher than in Greece. The figures with regard to sales are even lower. Only 1 in 100 Greeks used the Internet to sell products or services, while in Europe the figure is 10%. "People here are afraid of theft. They do not trust these services. The Greeks need to go to the shop window and touch what they wants to buy "- explains the manager of the GNET. "There is no reason to fear. Banks already issue cards of desired amounts. You can use them to buy and pay on the Internet. These cards are intended precisely to calm the customers and not be afraid of theft. But the Greeks still fear” - concluded Dionisis.