Strengthened connections in the Philippine communities during quarantine times
Communicating with other people online still falls under the need to make relationships even stronger. As said by social psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary, “humans have a deep need to belong, to feel connected with others in enduring, close, supportive relationships.” This need to belong can be seen through the strengthened online communications overcoming the gaps instilled by lockdowns.
From reaching out to loved ones to availing of needs, every aspect of human need has slowly transferred online.
Social Platforms
The available social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.) and messaging apps (Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) continuously fostered and maintained the communications between families, friends, and other social groups. The struggle caused by distance was lessened, as reaching out can be done in just a few taps on mobile phones and keyboards.
Group hangouts were also unstoppable as software innovators continue to develop a variety of platforms that can temporarily (or permanently) substitute the indoor and outdoor activities people love to do during their leisure hours. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify and their extensions like Houseparty, allow virtual movie marathons with friends and long-distance family members to be possible.
Work and Study from Home
The stay-at-home order (which was at its peak during the first half of 2020) boosted the use of conference calls and online collaboration platforms. Zoom Video Communications, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Classrooms were just among the few applications that became vital for schools and businesses to keep moving.
Working and studying from home became a major change not just in the lifestyles of people all over the world, but also in terms of their house interior setups. The topic of interior makeovers, especially the do-it-yourself ones, had a popularity boost given the number of ideas and tips shared throughout the digital platform.
Online Market
Online shopping. One of the industries that undeniably boomed during the lockdown is the shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee. The virtual market also saved lots of Filipinos who lost their jobs, as many delved into selling goods through social media and websites.
Essentials became more accessible to people through online stores, given that malls were closed for a time during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), then resuming operations with limited capacity. Along with the growing virtual market, users of online payment modes also rose in number, as this type of transaction reduces physical contact.
Industries such as food, fashion, automotive, and real estate also strengthened their presence and availability on the internet. Turning into the online world somehow salvaged the challenges brought by the needed physical separations from other people.