Social media blamed for the friends who got away!
Half of all Australian men have felt disconnected or lonely in the past six months and crave more physical interactions and experiences, according to a study conducted by Tourism NT, in the lead up to the third season of Million Dollar Fish, running from 1 October – 28 February 2018.
The research also revealed that 78 per cent of Aussie males think their mates spend more time connecting with them online than they do in person as a result of social media, and given the option they would prefer to spend more time enjoying face-to-face connections instead.
Commenting on the findings, Australia’s leading relationship expert Melissa Ferrari explained that our busy lifestyles, combined with an increased reliance on technology and social media has significantly changed the way we bond and communicate with others, leaving many of us feeling isolated and distant from friends and family.
“Maintaining healthy relationships and sharing life experiences with others is a vital part of being a well-rounded person that experiences happiness through the joy of connecting with others. It contributes and plays a key role to our individual health and wellbeing, so it’s concerning to see so many Aussie blokes are feeling that they are losing touch and missing out on those important real-life interactions.” Melissa added.
When asked how they would like to connect with their mates, Aussie men ranked holidaying (41 per cent), watching live sport (28 per cent) and fishing (11 per cent) as their top choice for spending quality time together. Other suggested activities included watching TV (9 per cent), texting (6 per cent) and shopping (5 per cent).
Million Dollar Fish Ambassador and cricketing legend, Matthew Hayden agrees that holidaying and fishing are great ways to bring people together. “I’ve been on hundreds of fishing trips and tours, and travel to the NT regularly with friends and family. The unique landscapes and quality fishing locations provide the ideal setting to unwind, share memorable experiences and build stronger relationships,” Hayden explained.
“The NT is the ultimate holiday and fishing destination. The scenic billabongs and coastline, rivers and waterways offer a huge variety of fishing options and thanks to Million Dollar Fish there are even more great reasons to come on a fishing trip and reconnect with your mates in the NT this summer!”
The annual Million Dollar Fish competition invites fishing enthusiasts to enter and be in the running to win cash and prizes valued at more than $2.1 million in total. Prize barramundi are tagged and released at locations across the Top End with100 fish valued at $10,000 and one barramundi worth a whopping $1,000,000! Additional prizes are drawn throughout the duration of the campaign including holidays to the NT, fishing gear and a campervan.
“Life’s just way too short to let your mates get away. Enter Million Dollar Fish now and make the NT your fishing destination of choice this year. Hard to beat, quality fishing, quality time with your mates plus being in with a chance to win a million bucks just by doing something you love,” Hayden added.
Visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au to enter Million Dollar Fish.
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