Everyone seems to be breathing a sigh of relief now that lockdown restrictions are starting to ease around the globe.
It’s great news, but it comes with a massive caveat. The worst is not necessarily behind us.
Until there is a vaccine, one that is accessible and inexpensive, countries could re-enter hard lockdowns at any point.
In the last couple of months, we have had to come to terms with it. International calling is a new norm.
We are used to cutting our hair, working in PJs and conversing with our cats.
Regarding the latter, we are also getting used to isolation. The psychological effects of lockdowns are starting to rear their ugly head.
More and more, people are reporting depression, anxiety and stress, all related to, or at very least aggravated by the inherent loneliness of lockdown.
In the wake of this symptomatic consequence of isolation, many companies have focussed on developing ways for us to keep in touch, and it is good to incorporate some of the better options.
Zoom
Zoom, in its current capacity, started as a product geared towards companies.
The idea was to fill the need for conferencing and remote office meetings.
The tech behind it works pretty well, offering reliable and easy to use tools to accommodate its function.
Because of rapid market adoption, more and more people are using Zoom to connect with family and loved ones.
It is the broad adoption of the app that makes it so great for connecting.
Everyone and their dog have a Zoom account now, meaning that the app circumvents the common problem where everyone you know is using a different app.
With Zoom, it’s straightforward to engage your contracts, and the functionality designed initially for meetings is perfect for getting the whole family on a video call.
Skype (But Not For The Reason You Think)
Skype has fallen behind a bit when it comes to video conferencing.
There are reasons that this makes sense, but the circumstances don’t warrant getting into the details.
The point is that yes, you can still use Skype for video calls, and you may even find that some of your contacts are only available for video calling on the platform.
That is not what we find useful about it, though. You see, Skype has a built-in RSS texting feature.
You are probably familiar with it, even if you haven’t used it much, but it does have one advantage.
People who used skype for interoffice communication in the past most likely still use it now.
This means the platform offers common ground in the texting playing field, making it simpler than texting your various contacts on any number of different text apps.
Netflix Party
There is more to interacting with your loved ones than just talking.
What we miss out on, which is also a critical factor in our sense of isolation, is the experience of enjoying things together.
There are a couple of ways to enjoy experiences with loved ones without being able to spend time in each other’s presence.
Online videogames and shared digital VR tours can be fun, but what Netflix party offers is the opportunity to share the simple experience of enjoying entertainment together.
Watch a movie, or series on Netflix party and get the closest experience to a regular, old school get together that we can recommend without actually getting together.