Are we in this for the long haul? Here’s how the tech world is fighting back against COVID-19
We are fighting a war with an unseen enemy, and we can use technology to our advantage; Here are some updates from March 22nd to 28th
Beyond pandemic, the fight is also against info-demic
The coronavirus pandemic’s impact is on such a global scale that the whole world is bound to be part of the discussions. Social media has surely been accelerating the flow of information, alongside mainstream news. However, in both media types, there is always the danger of fake news, misinformation, or outright disinformation. That’s why tech platforms like Google, Facebook, and other social media are taking it upon themselves to minimize the spread of fake news.
Why is this important? Fake news disrupts cooperation, and it can also fuel disagreements between stakeholders. At the very least, it wastes our valuable time, which can otherwise be used for more productive purposes.
Misinformation can also disrupt the measures being taken against widespread contagion — flattening the curve, so to speak. There is the news of crowded parties still being held amidst the warnings for social and physical distancing. There are also conspiracy theories being floated around — certainly not productive.
While net neutrality may be an ideal scenario, the world is currently undergoing a crisis, and tech platforms need to be more responsible about how they influence the public opinion, even as simply being the bearers or channels of communication.
The fight against coronavirus includes the smart use of data and analytics
If data can be weaponized into influencing targeted public opinion, it can also be used to make a positive impact on the world. High tech companies are now utilizing data in the fight against coronavirus. While other tech — especially biotech and healthtech — companies are dealing with trying to find a cure, some are focusing their effort on intelligence, data, and analytics.
Also read: Handling cash might spread viruses, and using digital payments can greatly reduce this risk
IBM and The Weather Company, are using location-driven data in providing researchers and the general public more information on the spread of the disease. So do platforms like Coronatracker, which provides vetted data and news citations, to ensure readers only get accurate and verified information.
Meanwhile, collaborative efforts like Nextstrain are using genome data to track the spread and evolution of the SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease), and the team has so far determined some nuances in the cross-border and local transmissions of the disease based on the sequenced genomes — involving eight different strains of the novel coronavirus.
As mentioned above, disinformation tends to sow fear and conflict. It’s good to see tech companies focusing on finding solutions that use data, utilizing their expertise for the benefit of all.
Remote is the new normal
With the social distancing, lockdowns, community quarantines, and shelter-at-home policies, many professionals have found remote working as the new normal. While this is nothing new to the almost 50-percent of the global workforce who have been working remotely at least twice or thrice per week, this is certainly a new normal for many who have been used to commuting to work or school on a daily basis.
This has taken a toll on some popular collaboration and productivity platforms, especially those that are bandwidth-heavy like video conferencing apps. Messaging apps have seen an upsurge in traffic, and along with it some technical difficulties.
Also read: Digital ID is essential to going remote — from social media, digital learning, work, and more
One thing is for sure: The world is much, much different from what we have grown accustomed to — all that drastically changing in a span of a few weeks. There are many challenges that lie ahead, especially for small businesses and workers who have been displaced by the social distancing policies that have resulted in stop-operations for many.
Some have perhaps been more fortunate to have found their niche in digital, remote, or other similar lines of business that still remain strong. Some find refuge in being “essential” parts of the workforce or community even as many others are simply required to keep quarantined to prevent further contagion.
Technology will play a big part in winning this war against an unseen enemy — and the tech advancements can come from many perspectives in many forms.
About this article
The Elevate Ventures Team curates a weekly roundup of news and developments relevant to technology, innovation, and business. Get in touch with us to contribute, engage our experts, or become part of our network.
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