COVID-19 - Socialisation in Isolation

As part of the Government’s effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are being urged to stay in and ‘socially isolate’ to avoid non-essential contact.

But how can you still feel part of your network of friends and family and not get lonely? Well, there’s an app for that! To be precise, there are many apps for that.

Now you can use social networking apps that allow you to communicate with more than one person at a time. You can still maintain the same social routine, but you don’t need to leave the house – think Friday night drinks, Sunday roast dinners, mid-week catch up for a coffee, brunches and games nights, all from the comfort of your sofa.

It’s a great chance to ‘see’ those who you normally would spend time with, but it’s also a great opportunity to reach out to people who you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.

Why don’t you give these a go!

1. Houseparty – it’s a video chat app for up to 8 people at a time. If you see someone online, you can start talking to them, or alternatively set a date! You can also multi-task, leave ‘facemails’ (video voicemail) and play games with the group too.
2. Google Hangouts – another group video chat application using your Google account and can have up to 50 people in a single call. Great for any celebrations, or just getting together lots of your friends or family. It can also link up to your calendar, allowing you to make regular Hangout events.
3. Bunch – lets you play mobile games with your friends. You just need to start the game via Bunch and text them a link. It also supports video chat of up to eight people that sits along the top of your screen.
4. Zenly – now this is something for those competitive people out there. Hailing from the makers of Snapchat, you can broadcast your location to your friends or family on Zenly so you can keep track of who is staying indoors. It awards points for following lockdown measures and has a leaderboard.
5. Drawful – this online multiplayer game in which one person is told to draw something ridiculous on their mobile screen without an eraser. The others in the group then submit their wild guesses as to what the drawing is. The guesses are put together and then the group decides which one is correct!

For  more tips, visit Socialisation in Isolation Part 2.