A World in Global Pandemic: Reinventing Human Connection
It is still nearly inconceivable to accept the fact that we are currently living a midst global pandemic due the outbreak of COVID-19 and having to adapt as a human race to the implications of the outbreak. A current glimpse of society is now illustrated by people staying six feet away from one another, limiting social interaction, wearing masks, and combating a deadly disease of which has no mercy on its afflicted. However, Dan Carpenter wrote in an article published by the Federalist that Corona Virus’s damage and lethality does not even rank within the top ten most deadly pandemics in historical context. However, I think it is profoundly unique the ways that COVID-19 has affected the world and they manner in which its inhabitants use technology and communicate as whole to a magnitude never seen before. As a result of COVID-19 ramifications and mandate of social distancing, people have been forced to adopt a new method of communication and social engagements which is typically seen in technological platforms and use of the Internet sites.According to an article written by Dana Rose Garfin titled “ Technology as a coping tool during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic: Implications and recommendations” they wrote that as a result of direct trauma evoked by Corona Virus, there has been a substantial rise in the use of technology; which is already deeply woven into the fabrics of modern society. This idea validates the point that people are increasingly using technology as a way to adapt and counter the effects of loneliness and isolation due to the nature of the pandemic. One example of how the internet is impacting human connections in the context of the pandemic is through the use of online platforms and the opportunity for individuals to stay engaged with previous communities and groups that they may have limited access to due to social distancing and social limitations. Examples of groups may include houses of worship, fitness studios and community centers; especially in the context of students teams. The internet is a powerful tool and is increasingly allowing society to utilize it for a plethora of benefits; and as discussed as way for social interaction.
In the context of thinking about this enormous social transition and state of change, it is crucial to exercise the power of human connection as well as implement it. As the presence of a global pandemic the news is usually bleak, the moods grim, and the lose of life continuing to toll up. The only thing that we as humans can do to counter such injustice is wired into our DNA to connect socially with one another. Society is finding new methods to use technology to better humanize our situation and generate human connection despite current obstacles. A few examples of this societal reinvention has been found in the presence of social media platforms as well as the occurrence of live streaming to preserve the essence of actually being there. One personal example I have using technology to better advance humanity right now is through my tutoring efforts for children in the Latinx community over zoom. Despite the restrictions of COVID-19, I am still finding pathways to stay connected with the community and largely due to the technological adaption that is currently taking place; without this capability it would be hard to say what the world would really look like now.
