Adapting to the Digital Sphere & Tips and Tricks to Keep us Entertained During Covid-19
Between virtual team meetings, class lectures, group workouts and happy hours; there’s one common factor – new media platforms continue to bring us together to overcome the unique challenges we face day-to-day.
“Unprecedented/Extraordinary Times”
Each and everyone one of us are experiencing the effects of mandated social distancing. Whether that be with our jobs, education, planned travel, or time with family and friends; our daily schedules have been impacted through these unprecedented times.
What does the news media, or the organizations mean when they reiterate the phrase, “unprecedented times”? Between news broadcast, advertisements and organization newsletters, the word unprecedented seems to be overused, losing its significance of meaning. Something that is unprecedented is not known, experienced or done before. So, in other words, what we are experiencing is truly extraordinary.
Going Digital
Every industry has been impacted by the covid-19 pandemic, creating a reliance on digital media practices in attempt to be progressive and continue operations if allowed.
“With the global economy grappling with losses as a result of the Coronavirus, video conferencing platforms like Zoom are among the few organizations profiting during this crisis.” According to learnbonds.com, Zoom application downloads have increased 1,270% between February 22-March 22. In just 30 days, there’s been over 17 million Zoom downloads. It’s expected there will be a continued increase in daily downloads as more companies implement remote work and video conferences become a more utilized option for socializing. Click Here to Download Zoom.
Alongside the millions of Zoom downloads through the month of March, the TikTok application has reached over 123 million users in the U.S. alone by March 10. Many social media users have turned to TikTok to create and share video content while self-quarantining. Many leisure activities like watching live sporting events, attending concerts, going to restaurants and bars, or going to any social-gathering events have now become inaccessible. Below are just a few examples of how organizations and performers are adapting to the digital sphere and attempting to provide a positive consumer/fan experience.
Tips & Tricks to Keep You Entertained During Covid-19
Sports –
NBA League Pass: Due to the suspension of the NBA season, the NBA is now offering a complimentary access pass to full length and condensed replays of all games from the 2019-2020 season.
NFL Game Pass: The NFL is offering complimentary access to NFL Game Pass until May 31. The Game Pass offers full broadcast replays, condensed games and the all-22 coaches film.
NFL Draft: The 2020 draft is scheduled to occur April 23-25 but considering the current climate the league is unable to hold the draft as a traditional public gathering. The NFL is aiming to virtually involve the top prospects in the draft.
Music –
According to the Rolling Stone magazine, the concert business is one of the many industries that is expected to lose billions from pandemic effects. Festivals like SXSW and Coachella were among the first large-events to cancel.
Considering the cancelations and rescheduling of concerts, artists have turned to live broadcasts and social media platforms to perform for fans and offer their support.
iHeart Radio – Living Room Concert: Artists like Elton John, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and other music stars are performing in their homes “to help support relief for all of the first responders and everyone else who has been risking their lives every day in the fight against the spread of covid-19, and the victims of its rippling effects. Watch live on Fox, Sunday, March 29 at 9pm ET/6pm PT.
Instagram Live - #TogetherAtHome: John Legend and many other artists participated in a live-streamed Instagram concert on March 17. The virtual concert series is a project headed by the World Health Organization and Global Citizen called ‘Together, at Home.’
Billboard’s Live Event Guide: “With venues and bars shut down from coast-to-coast, here’s your guide to the best live-streamed music content right now.”
Film & Streaming Services –
With the closures of thousands of movie theaters world-wide, the film industry is estimated to be at an industry loss of over $1 billion already.
Video on Demand Releases – Emma, The Invisible Man, and Birds of Prey are just a few of the many movies available to rent online. Viewers can rent or buy films on platforms like iTunes or Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming Services – Hulu has added a free live TV news stream to the application for their customers, Disney+ has made some movies like ‘Frozen II’ available early through their streaming service, and Amazon Prime has made a selection of family-friendly and children programming available for free on Prime Video.
We Are All Essential
There are many industries that we don’t consider when hearing the words “essential” and “nonessential.” It’s important to appreciate the workers and industries that are essential in fighting the pandemic, like health care and public safety workers. It’s equally as important to take the time to acknowledge those who aren’t featured on the daily news. Don’t look past the farmers, the mailmen, the technicians, the grocery store employees and every single person that continues on through these extraordinary times.
We may be mandated to quarantine and change our daily routines, but keep in mind that each and every person is facing unique challenges. Utilize the resources available to you to remain proactive, positive and healthy. Join a Zoom conference or live-streamed event for a happy hour, a therapy session, a workout class, a concert or a party. Our wellbeing and our purpose are essential, and we’re in this together.
Please feel free to share your perspective, experience, and thoughts about covid-19. Let’s continue to educate ourselves on the facts and use our knowledge as power.
How have you incorporated new media platforms and practices into your daily routine?