The Internet as a Middleman for Communication During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more people throughout the world have turned to technology to connect with co-workers, friends and family. Using their phone or computers to connect through social media and video calling platforms like Zoom. While technology was something that a lot of people used before the pandemic, it has become something that we have to rely on if we want to connect with one another in a safe way. According to a study from Nguyen, Gruber, Fuchs, Marter, Hunsaken, and Hargittal they observed that there has been a vast increase in digital communication, this has enabled people to build and maintain their relationships during a time when we need to be doing our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus by staying home.
Social media has played a large part in serving our social needs right now. We have been able to connect with friends and even strangers through apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. It is also serving as a way to entertain ourselves as we scroll through funny videos on TikTok or watch musical artists perform on Instagram. Internet technologies such as Zoom and Google Meet have also enabled us to continue to work and attend school as many work places and schools have switched to a virtual format to keep people safe. The internet has become a space for us to continue to connect with one another so that we can maintain important relationships and continue to be productive from home.
