Staying Connected in our Virtual World
Finding ways to stay connected is difficult in the most ideal of situations. Social connection is a very real human need. Feeling like you aren’t alone is a vital component of overall well-being. Having time to get together with others isn’t always possible. How do we find ways to stay connected, especially when we are faced with less-than-ideal circumstances?
Technology. While this is not an ideal answer, we are talking about good-enough socializing. Some is better than none needs to be the mantra. And seeing your best friend’s face while sipping a beverage and watching Ozark is way better than doing it alone.
Let’s take a look into our cornucopia of technological options for staying connected virtually.
Phone calls. While this may be an old school version of technology, our phones really do still make calls. And you don’t need to be in the car to do it!
Email. Again, not the latest and greatest way to connect but these options are still available and easily accessed. Sending out a quick note via email can be a great way to reconnect.
Instant messaging and text messages. I think these are the offspring of phone calls and email. You can carry on a conversation in real time and use emojis!
Video meetings. If seeing your friends and family is more appealing than just voice or messaging, then getting yourself set up to use video chat is ideal. If you have access to stable internet and a smart phone, tablet or computer with camera, you are ready to have coffee, happy hour, workout/go for a walk, cook, or connect one to one! Some common options include: Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and Viber. Many of these options also have a messaging feature as well.
Watch Parties. When you want to have a gathering for a movie night or watch your favorite guilty pleasure with friends you have many options. Google, Facebook, Hulu, Twoseven, and Twitch are some of the options for hosting watch parties.
Video Gaming. Gamers have been connecting online for years. They were definitely ahead of the curve using technology as a way to connect with others who share similar interests. Some of the more common chat programs used with gaming include: Discord, Mumble, Riot, SteamChat.
Online Party Games. Find your friends and set up a party game night. Jackbox Games, virtual escape rooms and Tabletopia boardgames, and HouseParty are a few of the more popular options.
Social Media. The most popular sites include FaceBook, You Tube, Instagram (IG), Twitter, Reddit, Pinterest, SnapChat, Tumblr. Meetup. Not all of these options directly connect you to your friends and family, they do open the door to expanding your social circle and broadening your interests.