Learning Digital can keep you connected with friends and family
If you didn’t grow up with digital it can seem scary and daunting. But remember, successful technology is designed to be easy to use — once you get the hang of it. More importantly, the digital world offers options that have never before been available. This is particularly important regarding loved ones since modern lifestyles are encouraging many to live far afield from their original home.
Now, you may have heard it before, you may have even said it; “technology is destroying our families”. But is it really? According to some research, networked families are reporting that technology is helping them “connect and coordinate their lives” and bringing about “shared moments of exploration and entertainment.”
Fortunately, today’s technology gives us so many ways to facilitate contact and conversation with others, even if it is on a screen. The purpose of this article is to make you aware of some of the technology available to you, along with some ideas to be intentional and stay connected with your friends and family across a distance.
There are many ways to connect with your loved ones, and those tools are at your fingertips!
Tools of the Trade
Of course, you’re familiar with calling and texting, and you probably do this often. But what if you’re looking for something face-to-face (albeit on a screen)? That’s where video chat applications (apps) come in.
There are a variety of apps that you can choose from, such as: Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, and Marco Polo. These are just a few of the options available to you. Each one does things slightly differently, so you’ll want to choose the app that best fits what you want to accomplish.
Facetime
FaceTime is one of the first video chat apps for smartphones. This app supports up to 32 people on a call and is pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, it is exclusive to Apple products so it won’t work on Android phones.
Facebook Messenger
The social media app, Facebook, comes with a messenger feature that you can use to keep in touch with anyone who has a Facebook account. You can video chat with up to 50 people in a group.
Whatsapp is a messaging app that uses your phone or computer’s WiFi to send and receive messages. You can send text messages or record voice messages, take part in video calls, and send documents to other people using the app.
Zoom
Zoom is a popular meeting app that works across most platforms. However, the free version of this app limits groups of three or more people to a maximum of 40 minutes for video chats.
Skype
Another video chat app that has been around a while, Skype is available on most platforms and supports international calling and texting. You can also have up to 50 people on a Skype video call.
Google Duo
Google Duo is an easy-to-use app that works on both Android phones and iPhones. This app often is pre-installed on Android phones, so check to see if already have it. A maximum of eight people are allowed on a Duo video call.
Marco Polo
Through the Marco Polo app, you can leave pre-recorded messages for your friends and family to view whenever they’re available and vice versa. This makes it like a video version of a text message.
Most of these apps can be accessed via smartphone, computer, or both. Each one comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and you should do your research on the one that best fits your needs. If you have young kids in the home who will be using these apps, be sure to check out the security options and parental controls offered with each.
The above is not a complete list, here are a few other ways to use technology to keep your family and friends close.
Let’s Connect With Technology
So, now you have the tools you need to keep in touch with your friends and family. But how can you use it to reach out to connect in fun and meaningful ways?
Make a Movie Night
Watching movies with loved ones can be a lot of fun — and you don’t necessarily have to be in the same place to enjoy it together! Pick a movie and organize a watch party. It could be a timeless classic that everyone enjoys or a cheesy movie just begging to be made fun of — it’s up to you! Start up a commentary on the movie with each other through text or watch each other’s reactions through a video call.
Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
This type of scavenger hunt may look a little bit different than what you’re used to, but it can be just as fun! Challenge friends to find all sorts of items from around the house. It can be anything from a remote, paper clips — even a Christmas ornament! When someone finds something, they can take a picture or video of it to send to the group. The first person to find everything on the list is the winner — maybe the prize is to pick the next movie you all watch together!
Get Creative With Encouragement
Step up your encouragement game! Some video apps allow you to leave messages for one another, so you can use this to leave uplifting messages here and there. Know someone who is feeling isolated? Send them a message letting them know they’re not alone. Is someone feeling discouraged? Make a short video telling them about the things you appreciate about them. Think of these as little notes of encouragement but in the digital space!
Host a “How-To”
Do you have a particular skill that you would like to share? Maybe you’re a great cook and have some tasty recipes to pass along. If you’re handy, you could show others how to do routine maintenance around the house. Perhaps you paint or play an instrument. Whatever it is, now is a great time to share it with your friends and family. Take turns demonstrating all the useful skills you have in a group and see what you learn!
More than ever before, we can stay connected, even when we are apart. It may not be ideal, but sometimes difficult situations can put our connectedness with others (or lack thereof) into perspective. The key here is intentionality. Talk with your friends and family, come up with some great ideas to stay connected, and then use today’s technology to make it happen.
So, here’s to hoping you find the technological solution that works for you and enables you to bring your family and friends together virtually across the globe…
