At the beginning of the year 2020, no one anticipated that the world would change in ways they had never imagined. A global pandemic brought the whole planet to a standstill, and the healthcare industry struggled to cope with the rise in infections. Though we kept hoping that things would go back to “normal”, the world and the humans in it have changed too much and created a new normal in which we currently exist.
The one thing that helped us survive these nightmarish months was the various kinds of technology we soon discovered we couldn’t live without. When it felt like someone had hit the pause button on the world, we slowly pulled ourselves together and emerged in the virtual world with the help of the internet and numerous devices. Being connected continuously was no longer just an option, and it became crucial to sustaining ourselves.
Online deliveries
With the onset of the pandemic, authorities devised many methods to safeguard the health of their citizens. The apocalyptic supermarket shopping spree that left racks empty did not happen too many months ago. As the Government asked shops to shut down, there was a quick shift to the virtual world.
Since it was hazardous to visit a store and encounter crowds, purchasing things online became the best available option for everyone. Food delivery apps started delivering groceries and expanded their services while many establishments sought the help of these online delivery services to reach their customers. The widespread availability of online shopping and delivery services enabled people to stay home and quickly acquire the things they needed.
Several countries have also used robotic technology to minimise contact between humans while carrying out deliveries. Using drones and robots helped make deliveries more efficient, quicker with lesser chances of disease transmission.
Video calling
After the initial debilitating period, firms, businesses, and individuals tried their best to adapt to the new circumstances. Employees restarted their work from home while students logged in at online classrooms. There was an immediate need for facilities that could provide high-quality, uninterrupted video transmission among multiple individuals. Two of the biggest names in this field during the pandemic were Zoom and Google Meet. Developers were also quick to introduce more features that could help their product stand out from the rest of the crowd.
A new platform that promised better feature was popping up regularly, and people started experiencing difficulties with the pre-existing ones. Online interactions, facilitated by these platforms, soon became the norm.
Entertainment
Theatres closed and those staying home had to find other sources of entertainment. Streaming websites saw enormous traffic with massive numbers of people viewing and downloading various kinds of video content each second. Many mainstream movies that were meant to be released in theatres came out on these streaming apps and were instantly viewed by millions.
Alongside theatres, other brick-and-mortar establishments such as casinos also shut down. Gambling enthusiasts searching for alternatives chanced upon the world of online casinos, including those listed in usafriendlypokersites.com. Many casinos started providing their customers with online services, including live dealers, and gamblers discovered the joy of making wagers from their home.
Digital payments
Handing out or receiving cash carried a high risk of transmission of the virus, so many establishments saw the need to introduce digital payments. Contactless payment could be easily carried out via a smartphone, eliminating the necessity to touch any unnecessary surfaces or objects. This technology also soon became an integral part of everyday life used by many.
Online healthcare
The appearance of the pandemic did not reduce the number of patients who required immediate or constant medical help for the different diseases they suffered from. Visiting hospitals was not the safest option since there was a higher chance of coming in contact with someone infected by Covid-19. But the healthcare industry quickly moved online to provide services to those in need. Doctors could be consulted via video or audio calls, and the drugs they prescribed could be purchased online. This proved to be especially beneficial to elderly individuals who could no longer avail help from their family members or domestic employees. The patient care is covered, but so is the medical staff who can now acquire risk-free, online certifications in crucial life-saving skills such as BSL.
Fitness
Since gyms became unsafe environments and had to close down, improvisations were necessary. Several gyms and other fitness centres started conducting online sessions for a reduced fee. Though this was not the same as working out using professional equipment, members were motivated to stay healthy even when they couldn’t go outside.
The numerous YouTube trainers with free workout plans and schedules proved to be an excellent alternative for those without gym memberships. Many utilised this period to achieve their fitness goals and follow a healthy lifestyle.
In Conclusion
As humans, we are continually transforming and evolving with our environment. The technology developed by mankind has proven to be incredibly crucial in helping with these changes. Surviving this pandemic without social media, or home delivery services would have been unthinkable. Technology will continue to be interwoven with all our lives and affect us in all kinds of ways.
