As we’ve been told by local government and health representatives time and time again, although we are required to be physically distant from one another right now, it is more important than ever to remain social in other ways.
Relying on one another is how our families, friendships, and communities will get through this challenging time. As resilient as we are, Atlantic Canadians have quickly adjusted to virtual connectivity and are finding new and exciting ways to keep in touch every day. Here are a few of the great resources you can try out with your own family and friends.
Zoom
Zoom is a virtual communications company that specializes in video conferencing. Many businesses use Zoom to connect colleagues virtually for meetings and presentations. But Zoom isn’t limited to the professional world; since our social distancing began, many groups have been using Zoom as a way to keep in touch or hold virtual parties. It’s fairly simple technology that allows users to create a Zoom link and invite others to the “room.” When participants turn on their cameras and microphones, they can interact with one another on screen. Some fitness instructors have even been using Zoom to host various classes and help others stay active. The free version of Zoom allows for 40-minute calls with up to 100 participants.
Houseparty
Created in 2016, the Houseparty app is making a major comeback this year. This free app allows users to add friends and host group video chats of up to eight participants at a time. Similar to Zoom, participants can see and hear one another, but Houseparty adds a layer of fun by giving participants the option to play virtual games together. Face-off with your friends in a game of Trivia or Head’s Up or put your art skills to the test in Quick Draw, which allows users to guess what another player is drawing on their screen. My family has started tuning in to Houseparty multiple times a week to catch up with one another and have a laugh. We even managed to talk my grandmother through the download process. If she can do it, so can you!
Facebook video calls
If you’re not into the idea of trying out new technology just yet, here’s a way you can make use of something most people already have– Facebook. Facebook Messenger has its own video-chat capabilities that allow up to eight participants at a time. All you have to do is create a group message with the folks you want to talk to, and then click the video camera icon in the top right-hand corner to start the call.
Letter writing
Don’t underestimate the value of going old-school. When was the last time you sent someone a hand-written letter? Think about how special that might feel to someone in your life right now. I for one look forward to digging out my stationary and sending some special notes to my loved ones this week.
Jill Ellsworth is a writer and communications specialist who lives in Dominion, N.S. Her column appears biweekly across the Saltwire Network. She can be reached at [email protected].
