Survey mapping online behaviour of Hongkongers amid Covid-19 says they were most angry during dine-in ban on July 29
- Survey was based on 400,000 posts on social media, more than 4.7 million online comments, and interactions among internet users between May 16 and September 6
- It says city residents were the happiest on July 19, when a cluster emerged among those who celebrated Hong Kong’s handover anniversary at a Mong Kok banquet
Hongkongers were most angry on the day all restaurants were banned from providing dine-in services, according to the latest big data research, which has found local social media platforms were flooded with negative emotions following the controversial policy, prompting the government to withdraw the move.
The research was done by Wiser, a market intelligence service provider, to gauge public opinion amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It was based on 400,000 posts across various social media platforms, more than 4.7 million online comments, as well as interactions among internet users between May 16 and September 6.
On July 29 and 30, the government briefly banned dining in all day at restaurants in a bid to curb the surging third wave of coronavirus infections. The policy left thousands of workers with no place to have their meals.
Images were circulated online showing workers having their takeaways on roadsides, under bridges, at construction sites, and even in public toilets, amid sweltering heat and heavy rain.
Facing a widespread backlash, the government changed its mind in two days and allowed restaurants to serve customers indoors for breakfast and lunch, with up to two people per table. But dine-in services remained banned between 6pm and 5am.
