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How the pandemic changed internet usage…….

At the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, people all over the globe tuned in anxiously to their televisions. We were awaiting scientific updates, local news coverage, school closings, government information on how to proceed and how to protect ourselves. The list goes on and on! We all watched as local news channels displayed empty store shelves, packed hospitals, closed businesses and closed schools.

EVERYTHING STOPPED!!!!!

EVERYTHING BUT THE INTERNET…

Social media usage increased dramatically in April. According to The New York Times ….”Americans are seeking out entertainment on streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, and looking to connect with one another on social media outlets like Facebook.”

View full NY Times Article… https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internet-use.html

This would probably explain all the new friend requests you may have received during this time. Seems like we are social beings and have grown greatly accustomed to a certain amount of social interaction in our daily lives. People really enjoy sharing themselves and their activities. We are full of new ideas, information, thoughts and emotions, which clearly flood the internet 24/7. It’s great if your bored, lonely or feeling down. There’s always something to see online, especially via trending apps.

SOCIALLY TRENDING APPS!!!

• TikTok
• SnapChat
• Twitter
• Instagram

There’s Never a Dull Moment….

I actually downloaded TikTok for the first time in April 2020 (prior to the Trump fiasco). And I’m sure I will not be the first to say it IS extremely entertaining. The amount of time a person can spend watching and re-watching people of all ages perform entertaining activities is ENDLESS!! Time can literally TikTok away as you watch hundreds of people put themselves “out there” for all the world to see. TikTok covers every and any form of interest….. art, motivational words, dancing and even energetic lip sync. Not to mention the monetary compensation some people receive after reaching a certain amout of ‘likes’. We can get into that another time….

The influx of downloads and usage of video chat apps during the pandemic has been well noticed and documented by various sources. According to App Annie “Weekly Time Spent in Apps Grows 20% Year Over Year as People Hunker Down at Home”.

Trending Video Chat and Video Conference apps during the pandemic…

• Google Duo
• Houseparty
• WhatsApp
• Zoom
• Skype
• Slack
• GoToMeeting

The pandemic forced employers and employees everywhere to learn the art of video conferencing. And also where to locate and use the MUTE button. It wasn’t without a few pitfalls. But we all laughed and pulled through, supporting each other along the way.

Check out Bored Panda’s 35 Quarantine Conference Calls Gone Hilariously Wrong. I’m sure these hilarious anecdotes are just the tip of the ice berg.

You can’t function at work without a lunch break. Which brings me to…

Eating during the pandemic….

I don’t need a statistician to tell me that food delivery services increased during the height of Covid Season (as I like to call it). As an essential worker, it sometimes felt like the only people out there were food delivery service providers….

• Door Dash
• Grub Hub
• Seemless
• Amazon
• Fresh Direct

Honestly, if it wasn’t for these food delivery services and donations from generous people and local businesses, staff at hospitals and clinics would have gone hungry. This also gave an opportunity for some restaurants to stay afloat when their only other alternative was to close completely.

Most food delivery services gave discounts and deals, including free delivery. Which during the economic crisis that accompanied Covid-19 , was and will always remain much appreciated. There aren’t words enough to thank all of the delivery men and women for their services.

Now with work done and our stomachs full, let’s fill our hearts…

Love and Chat-ti-ness (not a song by Al Green)

As stated earlier, internet availability played a valuable role during the pandemic. Although new cases are beginning to dissapate in New York City, we rely on this technology as a prominent role in post-pandemic restructuring. It has become our “go-to” for social services such as unemployment claims, transit information, and even workers comp cases. Aside from social apps and telecommuting apps, I’m sure we’ve all noticed an increase for love and dating apps as well. Pen pals, text buddies and sex chat sites all saw memberships surge. I received endless advertisements tempting me to look for and find love via these apps. and guess what…I TRIED THEM!!!!

That is an entire conversation of its own and I would gladly revisit it. I will say this…..It wasn’t the worst experience but it became slightly annoying enduring small-talk over and over. It lacked substance for me but that may not be the case for the millions of other people who enjoy the apps. I have long since deleted the apps before August, but I will say that they served their purpose. It initially felt good talking to complete strangers about common interests and feelings of angst regarding the virus. Although, meeting anyone face to face went against quarantine mandates (and common sense), there wasn’t a shortage of men who were willing to risk their health and mine in an attempt to connect in person. I avoided those people like the plague or like the virus if you will. “Everything is closed buddy”….Where was a good place to meet for a first date?!? The Trader Joe’s Line??

Anyway, virtual dating and I’m sure virtual sex for some became an interesting and unforgettable experience. Check out this article from pbs.org. detailing an interest online dating experience.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/coronavirus-has-changed-online-dating-heres-why-some-say-thats-a-good-thing

It’s now mid August. I am grateful to be alive during this historical event. I am also pleased that we were able to share ourselves and our interests. And to find love and pizza during what felt like the ‘end of the world’. The virus is still prominent in much of the country. New York seems to be on the mend. I believe we are in Phase 4 or so, with new cases still below “acceptable” levels. Outdoor dining has commenced and parents are now facing the decision on whether or not to send their children to school. Many New yorkers are still unemployed which is very unsettling. and there were so many businesses that shut down completely. As we try to gain normalcy during this time the internet remains a useful tool. It has brought information, laughter, love and of course delicious food. The internet is what you make of it guys and gals. So have fun with it and be careful.