Federation University senior psychology lecturer Evita March said for many, the novelty had worn off and people were simply exhausted.

Dr March, whose research specialises in cyber psychology and social media trends, said she was already anecdotally finding people were just not that excited about virtual house parties, live-streamed classes or social media connections.

Ahead of Victorian lockdowns from Wednesday night, people were telling Dr March they were "just going to have a detox" from online the next six weeks.

"I don't know if we're going to see the same level of innovation as last time," Dr March said.

"There seems to be a different feeling this time around. The first time there was a bit of a sense of novelty and people were really reactive.

"Now I'm seeing a bit more fatigue and wondering if people will just disconnect from social media completely."

Dr March said there were great positives to come out of social media in the last lockdown, including easier access to social activity in times when it otherwise might have been harder to juggle commitments, and greater access to mental health resources.

In her research, Dr March also found some people reported their relationships with friends and family had improved because they were actively trying to remain in contact, especially with loved ones who lived far away.

Trivia has been a key format for one family-based quiz team to stick together in isolation.

Jordan McPhan said her group of friends and family were so used to the routine of weekly pub trivia at The Mallow that they kept the routine going.

Ms McPhan said it gave everyone something extra to talk and laugh about when not much was happening in isolation and friends and family from interstate could join the fun.

Since restrictions eased, the team has been alternating between the pub and online. Ms McPhan said this should make it easier to keep momentum for the second lockdown.

"We actually have the host of (The Mallow) trivia, he's in the group, but every week we share it around and there's a different one of us hosting," Ms McPhan said. "We catch up on Zoom and a few people generally order in dinner because that's what we normally do at the pub. It makes it feel like trivia."

While the team does not have themed nights, one host dressed as Elvis for the night and built a set, complete with a podium, for added entertainment. Ms McPhan said people were keen to keep online trivia going, theme nights or not.

"Friends and family have been talking about catch-ups even more," Ms McPhan said. "Last time there was a 'light at the end of the tunnel' feel and we'll do this to get though. This time, it seems, could be a long time."

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