How tech kept people connected during lockdown
It’s a no-brainer that entering a global pandemic and being told that you’re not allowed to go outside, or physically interact with others anymore, would develop a sense of loneliness and isolation in some people. The extroverts were the main target, but even if you’re an extrovert, introvert or ambivert, you still need some form of connection and communication in your life, and Covid almost took that away from us.
However, technology saved us in many ways, be that professionally, academically or emotionally.
Thank you, Zoom
What might be considered the star platform of the last 2 years, Zoom’s video conferencing powered many aspects of life. Including the work-from-home economy, remote education and virtual meetings with friends and family.
In a time of endless worrying, stress and frustration, Zoom’s efficiency and user-friendly display helped millions in the fight against loneliness as video calls brought families back together and helped to make life just a bit more normal. Ironically, communication couldn’t be easier and harder at the same time.
All you needed to start reconnecting with people was an electronic device and good internet connection.
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Entertaining platforms – TikTok, the virtual dance floor
Having been left with no other form of communication and entertainment, social media platforms became more populated than ever before, and long forgotten ones re-emerged in this time.
TikTok became the new Vine.
Gen Z, millennials, gen X, even the baby boomers, they all left the seriousness and frustration aside to share dance moves, challenges and games through the app – giving many a sense of belonging and happiness all from silly on the internet together.
It’s no surprise that TikTok got to almost the same number of downloads as Instagram in just a few months.
Music collaborations from a distance
Finally, what has the power to unite people better than music?
Not even Covid can stop the world from finding ways to enjoy themselves. Meeting online, having virtual rehearsals, jam sessions and concerts was the way to go – and everybody loved it.
I mean…it’s music!
Amazing collaborations happened online, funds were raised, and people danced and connected through lyrics and melodies in the unforgettable Zoom era.
Stuck with you will remain one of the most iconic Covid collaborations to support these times of our life.
Pandemic innovations
AR and VR for online exhibits and experiences, crowd control robots, implementing UV-C cleaning and QR codes in restaurants – a lot of things about the way we live have had to change and innovate to ensure a low virus spread.
However, innovating to keep people mentally healthy and connected with one another was just as important.
For example, a Liverpool engineering firm developed a device that could help communities who struggle to socialise. Especially during these harsh times.
Push to talk is a similar size to a small alarm clock, ergonomically user-friendly and to have access to the service people just need a working phone line. Its main purpose is to connect people who feel lonely, so basically every time people want to connect, they just press a button and Push to talk will connect the person to another person who feels like socializing and pressed the button at the same time. It’s that smart and that easy!
Staying connected post-lockdown
Pandemic or not, it might still be hard to connect from time to time, but technology is still playing a big role in helping us to feel connected.
We should all take advantage of the great tools we have to stay connected to one another whether that be digitally or physically, and remember not to take human connection for granted.