Most of the world is on lockdown in an attempt to flatten the curve and give the healthcare system some room to breathe. According to Handy, during such unforeseen circumstances when you are locked up within a finite space you need to keep some form of social connection with your friends and family for your mental health and well-being. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps that allow you to seamlessly connect with your family during the lockdown. Here are a few of them:
The Apps
1. Zoom – The app was originally designed to be a digital conference calling app for use in the workspace and professional purposes. However, since the lockdown, the popularity of Zoom has skyrocketed drastically and isn’t limited to those who are working from home. It is used in wide and broad ways including for hosting yoga sessions, hosting a family quiz night, and more such activities. While the free version of the app allows standard users to have a continuous session of 40 minutes, a premium upgrade removes that cap.
2. Google Hangouts – Similar to Zoom, Google Hangouts perfectly serves the purpose for businesses to hold team meetings and teachers to conduct online classes for their students. However, it also finds widespread use as a socializing tool for families, friends, and more during the lockdown. Moreover, it doesn’t come with the warnings issued by the FBI and other such agencies around the world against Zoom. To use Hangouts, all you need is a Gmail account.
3. Houseparty – Ever since the month-long social distancing norms have been established, Houseparty has gone quite viral. It allows you to become a social butterfly right from your couch. You can conduct group video chats on the app and drop in or out of similar groups created by your friends. You can also make new interesting virtual friends while you are at it. The app also allows you to conduct and play games like Quick Draw and Heads Up. Make sure to get out of the remote birthday parties you weren’t invited to.
4. Netflix Party – Fascinating innovations come out during desperate times and this app is a suitable example. If binge-watching Netflix shows, series, and documentaries with friends used to be your weekend flick, then Netflix Party is here to save you. The app lets you watch Netflix TV shows and films at the same time as the rest of your friends or family members.
You also get to add the chat feature so that you can express your shock, delight, or outrage live in real-time. To use this app, you or anyone else in your binge-watching group needs to download the Netflix Party extension from Google Chrome browser’s web store and share the link with everyone else.
Conclusion
Handy suggests that you stay safe and keep others safe by adhering to the social distancing and lockdown guidelines. These apps let you socialize with your family and friends so that you can have fun even when you are hundreds or thousands of miles apart.