These Digital Connections are Offering a Light Relief to Millions.
Digital connection
Some of the things that have lifted the mood during COVID-19 are digital content platforms.
With little to no activities happening outside the home due to social distancing, there has been a spike in online content creation and consumption. The pandemic might have disrupted and limited so many things but time and technology are still at our disposal. Screen time is at an all time high. Some would argue, we need to limit our screen time but it’s would be a struggle to digital detox or self regulate at the moment especially with work and connections having moved online.
On minute you are checking work email, or calling friends and family, the other you are keeping up with the news and slowly you sink into an endless loop while digging content to uplift your mood.
Many people stuck at home are turning to apps and online content to maintain a social life, showcase their creativity or just engage to ease the COVID-19 anxiety. Ideally, looking for something to recreate the social life, this rime digitally. Activities are ranging from online birthdays, happy hours with friends, funny challenges, work from home memes to game nights with friends.
Some of the tools that are facilitating this replication of social life include but not limited to:
Tiktok
One of the best places if you are looking for a light moment, either to watch funny videos or showcase your creative side. There has been increased rise of spontaneous stars (overnight celebs) when their challenge videos go viral. Looking for something fun to do? Maybe is time you finally figured TikTok.
Houseparty
This app has modelled what a physical houseparty gathering would entail. From getting invites to join the room from friends to being in rooms with strange people. Houseparty offers a chilled hangout place where you can chat, be on video calls and play games.
Virtual livestream
With venues and hangout joints shut down, celebrities, artists, influencers and event organizers are adapting to this new normal.They are holding live events on social media and video streaming platforms. You get to join, hangout, get entertained and engage at the comfort of your home. This is offering these creatives a way to bond and continue engaging with their fans.
Challenges and Tags
Viral challenges have been keeping people occupied, both on TikTok and Instagram. These challenges are clearly showing how fast viral things can spread. Spreading within circles all across the globe,in one way or another you might end up getting tagged by a friend. From #pushupchallenge to #toiletpaperchallenge among others.
Memes
Memes definitely bring smiles in one way or another. They are shared on social media channels or anywhere on the internet. One interesting thing about memes they keep on coming, one after another, touching on different things. People are really digging out funny things out of the pandemic, from work from home memes, COVID-19 memes to what a rollercoaster year 2019 has been.
While it’s all fun and games, it’s advisable to be on the lookout.
Check permissions the app is asking access to, this is just a way to make sure they are not compromising your security.
Be careful on the information you are consuming. Misinformation is sparking fear at this time of unknown future, only consume content about COVID-19 from trusted sources.
Don’t forget to sing, dance or engage in something that will give you a light relief! What things available online are uplifting your moods during this isolation? Let us know by commenting below.
Remember to stay safe, help and stand with your community during these times. In any way really, big or small that will contribute to safety. For information on how to stay safe during COVID-19, visit the WHO website.