• by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, April 16, 2020

Professional and social gatherings have migrated to shared video.

During the past week, 20% of U.S. households used video and conference call platforms like Zoom and Slack, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

That’s up 8% over the last three weeks.

Household use of streaming video services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, dropped slightly (4%) to 52% of households over the holiday weekend, based on the CTA Tech Tracker, comprising regular surveys of 1,000 U.S. households, which monitors the purchase and use of tech during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many Americans spent the holiday weekend celebrating a virtual Seder or Easter from their homes," states Lesley Rohrbaugh, director of research, CTA. "The holiday celebrations likely led to another week-over-week jump in the use of platforms such as Zoom and Slack to connect with family members and tune into religious services.”

Consumers also are shopping online more from home.

Curbside pickup of grocery and retail items increased 3% to 15% of households during the last three weeks.

Other tech use continued, including online streaming music (33%), streaming live TV (25%), online multiplayer game services (19%), gaming livestream services (12%) and gaming services (8%).

Tech purchasing increased in most categories, including smartphones (18%), headphones/earbuds (16%), TVs (13%) and tablets (12%).

Consumers also are leaning on social media, with nearly half (45%) of households using social media platforms.

Consumers are at home but staying digitally connected to the outside world, much of which also is inside.