This is the number virtual commmunications sent between families in a single year

Families now communicate via 156 video calls, 364 WhatsApp messages and 260 phone calls during the typical year.

A study of 2,000 adults found people typically have three different group chats with relatives, including with grandparents (11 per cent), children (35 per cent) and even their in-laws (17 per cent).

The average year also sees 156 emails shared between family members, 208 Facebook posts or messages and 312 texts.

Face to face conversation

In comparison, just 364 face-to-face conversations are had thanks to the impact of the lockdowns.

But not much will change post-Covid as 39 per cent are keen to continue video calls with family members, while 30 per cent would still like to have active group chats when life returns to ‘normal’.

More than a third feel it’s important to balance face-to-face communication with virtual methods, although nearly half said technology helps to keep their family connected.

Charles Davies, spokesman for full fibre broadband provider Hyperoptic, which commissioned the research, said: “The past year or so has made people have to adapt the ways they stay in touch with others and clearly virtual communication has been key.

“Group chats mean everyone can be informed at the same time to save several individual messages, and video calls have been a vital way for people to stay connected and see others, rather than just reading text and social media.

“Video adds a fun aspect to communicating and will remain a key channel for families and friends alike, which is why it’s key to have a fast and reliable broadband connection to maximise the experience.”

“We know how important it is for people to stay connected with their family and loved ones, no matter where they are.

Evolution of communication

It also emerged that while 32 per cent of adults believe communication within their family has evolved in recent years.

Relatives people never thought they’d converse with virtually but now do include mums (12 per cent), their children (8 per cent) and grandmas (8 per cent).

Almost nine in 10 have sent or received a ‘happy birthday’ message virtually with relatives and 21 per cent said they’re more likely to do so rather than send a card.

Similarly, 16 per cent have shared their engagement announcement with relatives on social media or via virtual messages, as have 14 per cent with pregnancy news.