Social distancing has made it more important to keep in touch with friends virtually than ever. Technology allows us to stay in touch with friends, even as we distance ourselves from them physically.
Imagine if you had no way of chatting with, or checking up on loved ones! There are platforms that allow one on one connection, or allow a group or family to get together.
Here are some tips on how to stay connected worldwide with platforms that are FREE:
1. Skype
Skype is so well known that it has even become a verb! With Skype, you can make both video and voice calls to anyone else with the app.
It is easy to set up, and you can use Windows, Mac and most mobile devices. If you want, you can send text-based messages, too.
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is popular because you can easily message people regardless of what phone or tablet they use. You can either send text-based messages or voice memos to other WhatsApp users on many other devices, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone or Blackberry.
3. Facetime
All you need is an iPhone or iPad. It is already installed on every iOS device, so it is a quick and easy option to set up.
Once it is set up, you can contact anyone in you contact list who has also enabled Facetime. All you have to do is tap the phone or camera option, and it works over Wi-Fi or with cell data.
4. Facebook Messenger
Because Messenger is part of having a Facebook account, a lot of people use Messenger, which is a text and video-based messenger system.
There is no setup required if you are already friends. Just send a message from the website, or the Messenger app on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
5. Netflix Party
Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension that allows you and your friends to watch the same synchronized Netflix content together.
It adds a chat window so you can all live chat and it allows anyone watching to play and pause the video.
6. Zoom Party
You can use Zoom for one on one sessions or if you want to get family and friends together for events such as birthdays.
It is best to use on a laptop, but it can also be done by phone. You don’t need a Zoom account to join a meeting, but you do have to have one to create a meeting and invite people.
Zoom was originally intended for virtual business meetings, so hundreds can be in on a session, but a good number for a party is about 10.
Everyone can be seen on the screen at the same time, and everyone is part of the same conversation. Zoom offers custom backgrounds, filters and emojis.
Usually, after 40 minutes you have to pay for Zoom, but that has been waived for social distancing.
Whatever platform you choose, social distancing will go by faster if you keep in touch!
