In these times, the lack of social communication and physical connections are what people fear. Kids aren’t going to school; people aren’t going to work and celebrations aren’t happening. It feels like the world has halted. We have so many questions whether they are medical or social and on top of that, we are in our homes and in isolation, awaiting and pondering these questions.
Although, keeping in touch is easier and simpler than we know and yes, technology is the biggest answer. There are so many ways to talk to people that it can be overwhelming. You don’t know which platform to use and if you try one then it’s not what you were looking for or you try everything, and you get an influx of emails. But we wanted to make things a little simpler for you all and list some ways which could be more helpful to you.
Zoom
Zoom is a video communication platform, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars.
Advantages
· It’s free for 40 minutes (you can limit the calls to the people who talks FOREVER)
· Only the people with a link will make the call private
· You can schedule this to a specific time
· 100 people limit with videos
Disadvantages
· You will need to pay a fee if you want more than 40 minutes
· It has recently had bad press due to issues the company has not figured out, so some features to be secure are not available yet.
Skype
Like Zoom, Skype is another video communication platform where you can host video chats. It has been around for a long time and is another video conferencing site too.
Advantages
· It is free
· You can use your Microsoft/google account to find/sync all your contacts
· 25-50 people limit with videos
Disadvantages
· If you are using a mobile with your Microsoft/google account, you may get double contacts as sometimes the information with both accounts don’t correspond.
· Sometimes, it asks for fees.
FB Messenger
Facebook has its own chats and has video calls. You can create a group or have individuals chats and calls. This has always been free.
Advantages
· Most of your contacts are there.
· Video/Audio options for a group
· 50 people limit with videos
Disadvantages
· You have to add those ‘annoying’ people on your Facebook.
HouseParty
House Party is free and your can add friends and play games at the same time. This also allows you to have most people coming onto the screen and lock the call so no one else can come onto the call.
Advantages
· Free to call
· You can lock your group to only those people can be in the ‘house’
· Stealth mode so people don’t constantly know you are in the ‘house’
· Games to pass the time.
Disadvantages
· Only Video
· Games can be slow at times and depends on your wifi connection.
· Privacy issues have occurred over time
· 8 person limit
A lot of people are using Whatapps and its free. You just need to attach a number and you are able to access your contacts. This is one of the best options internationally.
Advantages
· Uses your mobile phone number
· Backup messages
Disadvantages
· 8 person limit
My personal preference is Whatsapp and Facebook because I get to contact people who are abroad (which I do a lot) for free and Facebook video has all the jokey filters that I love to play around with, with my friends and laugh about them.