As many regions grapple with shelter-in-place mandates to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, daily life has transformed dramatically. Education, business operations, and even entertainment programs like Saturday Night Live have adapted to new norms, leaving traditional social interactions in the rearview mirror. With in-person meetings off the table, people are creatively forging connections in ways that were once unthinkable.
Psychologist Dr. Jamie Turner from the University of Richmond emphasizes the importance of reaching out during these isolating times. He suggests that “social loneliness can be countered by any safe means of communication—be it a handwritten letter or an email to an old friend, these gestures can help alleviate the negative impacts of prolonged isolation.”
FaceTime has become a go-to method for maintaining that face-to-face feeling without the actual presence. Even prior to the pandemic, my children were using FaceTime to stay in touch with friends and family members. Now, it’s an essential part of our daily routine. This simple app, requiring just a Wi-Fi connection and a steady thumb (preferably not over the camera), has transformed how we connect. Grandparents, separated from their grandchildren for weeks, have embraced FaceTime for everything from playing chess to reading bedtime stories. Likewise, mothers and daughters are now cooking together over video calls, and kids are meeting new cousins virtually for the first time.
Zoom has taken center stage, replacing traditional meetings and serving as a platform for everything from fitness training to family gatherings. We’ve had Zoom birthday celebrations, church services, and even weddings. In our household, I conduct Pilates classes and catch up with friends over virtual happy hours, while my kids engage in speech therapy and connect with camp friends using the platform. Despite some security concerns earlier this year, Zoom has proven to be an indispensable tool for many—though if you’re Disney, you might be using BlueJeans instead.
Google Hangouts is also experiencing a surge in popularity, with usage reported to be 25% higher than earlier this year. Recognizing the needs of employers, educators, and students, Google has even made its premium features available for free until September 30. While we haven’t fully embraced this app yet, it seems inevitable that we’ll be getting the hang of Hangouts soon.
Then there’s Houseparty, an app my daughter once insisted I download because all her friends were using it. Now, it’s a staple for game nights and virtual hangouts. Friends across the globe are using it to connect and play games together, proving that distance can’t stifle fun.
Additionally, platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger (including Messenger Kids) have seen increased engagement, alongside video games that facilitate connection through screen sharing. As of mid-March, Steam, the largest gaming distribution service for PCs, set an all-time record with over 20 million active users.
Interestingly, traditional phone calls are making a comeback. Even for someone like me, who used to prefer texting over calling, there’s something refreshing about hearing a familiar voice. In fact, Verizon has reported that the number of wireless calls has surged to around 800 million per week—a figure that doubles typical Mother’s Day call volumes. Not only are we calling more, but conversations have lengthened by about 33% compared to pre-pandemic days.
While social distancing keeps us physically apart, it compels us to discover innovative ways to connect. This pandemic has reinforced a fundamental truth about human nature: we yearn for meaningful connections. Regardless of the circumstances, we will always find a way to reach out to one another—because that’s simply part of who we are.
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In summary, social distancing has pushed us to find unique and creative ways to maintain our connections with loved ones, proving that the human spirit will always seek out meaningful interaction, no matter the distance.
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