Connecting During Times of Distancing
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a situation unique to many individuals, one in which we are not able to communicate and spend time together in the same as we used to, and have started to rely on means to communicate other than the traditional ways known to us prior to the pandemic. Luckily, with the introduction of the internet and communication apps/websites, people are able to communicate virtually without having to leave their home, whether it be through messaging, calling, and even video chatting. The internet’s impact on relationships and human connections is huge, especially amid the pandemic, where people are not able to meet in person, and are instead advised to socially distance themselves from others whenever possible. Because of communication apps and the advancements of the internet, many people ordered to stay at home are able to remain in continuous contact with loved ones, as well as even be able to continue to work from home. According to the Koeze & Popper article, since the first waves of stay-at-home orders and lockdowns, usage of connecting apps, such as NextDoor and Houseparty, has increased greatly (2020), due to the ability to video chat, and connect with neighbors and friends, all while being able to stay at home. These advancements allow individuals to stay connected to the outside world, and keep in contact even though they are not encouraged to leave home. However, this experience is not universal to everyone. According to the Nguyen, Gruber, Fuchs, Marter, Hunsaker, & Hargittal article, there are new challenges being presented as social gatherings and meetings are limited: due to inaccessibility and skills required to use these new apps for communicating, digital inequalities may be reinforced (2020). For example, older people, people with less knowledge and skills in technology, and people socioeconomically disadvantaged, may have a harder time accessing and being able to use newer forms of technology to communicate, and therefore face extra hardships impacting their relationships and connections amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the unique circumstances presented as a result of the pandemic, we can use internet technologies in new ways to serve both our needs, and the needs of humanity as a whole. Aside from being able to keep up regular virtual communications with friends and loved ones, we can use online websites and apps to stay connected with our community members and the world as well. In the Tiffany article suggested for this week, she talks about stakes for sharing personal content and how they’ve been lowered in general. Focusing on the Instagram app, where under normal circumstances people are encouraged to share photos and videos more curated to portray cool things they have done or accomplishments, whereas under the pandemic’s circumstances, the stakes have been lowered, and people in general are more encouraged to post about their personal, normal, and even boring lives (2020). One example that comes to mind is being able to host and attending group gatherings- but virtually. Such technologies exist now where people can host events, set up virtual parties, and even stream movies/shows while video chatting at the same time, to create a “together feel”. These are all ways that technology advances are able to suit our needs, at least our social needs, amidst the global pandemic, while still being able to connect, meet new people, and keep yourself busy.
Works cited:
Koeze, Ella, and Nathaniel Popper. “The Virus Changed the Way We Internet.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 7 Apr. 2020, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internet-use.html
Nguyen, Minh Hao, et al. “Changes in Digital Communication During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Implications for Digital Inequality and Future Research.” Social Media + Society, SAGE Publications, 9 Sept. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7481656/
Tiffany, Kaitlyn. “You Have a Moral Responsibility to Post Your Boring Life on Instagram.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 1 Apr. 2020, www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/03/social-distancing-social-media-post-more/608194/.
