By Bob Barker

As Valentine’s Day 2011 gets underway around the world, Alterian, specialised in customer engagement technology and solutions, takes a closer look at the mix of opinions and chatter surrounding the most romantic day of the year and reveals that the UK prefers the latest high-tech gadgets over jewellery, flowers and chocolate.

Alterian’s SM2 social media analytics tool, found over 1.3 million online conversations have taken place around the world since 25th January – with the US revealed as the most romantic country based on the high volume of chatter. Analysing the type of gifts people would like to receive or will be giving this year, Alterian has revealed that the UK prefers the latest technology over soft toys, clothes and chocolates. Over 42% of conversations took place regarding technology gifts in the UK compared to just 1% about flowers and 2% regarding soft toys. Love, it would seem looks better in 3D, with these items coming in at 4% of the total conversations.

The US conversations revealed their preference for traditional Valentine’s gifts of jewellery, followed by clothes and ‘hanging out’ with loved ones. The traditional valentine’s day card is still a prominent symbol for the day and drew 14% of the total global conversations regarding gifts.

The sentiment analysis of the conversations revealed that we don’t swing in either direction in our feelings toward the day and the majority of conversations were rated as neutral (67% of total conversations). Twitter is also the social networking site of choice to declare feelings and discuss gift ideas with 56% of conversations taking place on the platform over blogging and Facebook for example.

About the author Kat Meadmore is PR for Alterian.