An unprecedented situation has hit the world: the COVID-19 pandemic. It has put a stop to people’s regular lives. Phrases like “social distancing” and “isolation” are now a part of the active vocabulary of every child and adult alike. Masks, a complete sanitation regiment, and unvetted immunity boosters have become the new normal. This unimaginable situation has led to mental distress and emotional turmoil amongst people, and devastating social and economic repercussions.
However, there is a silver lining to this scenario thanks to advanced technology and the Internet. Everyone can be connected easily, linked through the world of the Internet acting as a medium for social interaction. In fact, studies show that pandemic-induced social isolation has changed (perhaps permanently) the relationship people have with technology.
Today, people are more reliant on apps for shopping, communication, entertainment, and staying fit than ever before. Video chatting platforms have proved to be a robust solution for connection as well. Let’s find out more about how they work and their impact on people during the pandemic.
What does a video chatting platform do?
A video chatting platform is a means to connect with known and unknown people through the virtual medium. In this period of social isolation, video chat has become a window to peek into someone’s life. It is one of the best ways to stay in touch with loved ones who are living far away and also to make new associations.
These social apps have become a way to manage our lives while in lockdown. In fact, as per a report by MoEngage and Apptopia, 20% more people used apps in Q1 of 2020 compared to the previous year. In the same time frame, people spent the most ever recorded in a quarter in app stores, amounting to more than $23 million.
Benefits of video chatting apps
Video chatting is the perfect way to socialize in today’s time of social isolation. It is a means to connect with the outside world without worrying about the dreaded coronavirus creeping up in the background. It is now also a way to conduct business for much of the world. Here are a few compelling advantages of using virtual means to stay in touch with the world.
- Stay connected with family and friends
Today most of us live in nuclear setups with our extended families spread all over. It is almost impossible to meet them, given the present situation of no travel and self-quarantine. Therefore, video chatting becomes a convenient and reliable way to stay in touch. It gives us a sense of belonging and helps us connect with all our loved ones to know about their well-being and health.
- To forge new associations
If you are looking to find new people to interact with but are stuck at home, don’t be depressed. Video chatting allows you to meet and greet strangers in an absolute safe set up and indulge in conversations, share audio and video, and exchange ideas. Who knows? Someone you meet in a public or private chat room could be your soulmate. While hunting for video chatting portals, ensure that you review security guidelines of the app.
- A reason to dress up
You are cooped up in your apartments with nowhere to go and nothing to dress up for. A video call with a friend or even a stranger is a reason to get up and into your favorite outfit that has been waiting in your wardrobe for months. It is an occasion to do your hair, wear some makeup, and look and feel good. Get ready to slay those video chatting sessions and make yourself feel great.
- 4. A way to network and find new projects
Video chatting portals are used not only for personal chatting, but also as a great way to network with people for new assignments. These times are awful for work with few jobs opening up, nowhere to go out and set up job interviews, and little networking opportunity. However, video chatting portals become a great way to meet people who have similar jobs. You can enter a public chat room where discussions about employment and related matters are discussed and who knows — you might find yourself a brand-new project.
- Dating made inexpensive
Think of those times when you had to meet someone on a date in a bar or a cafe. You would spend money on commuting, drinks, and small eats or even a meal before heading home. The entire experience might turn out to be beautiful and unique, but it would add to your monthly expenditure. With video chatting, all those expenses fly out the window as you sit at home meeting new people. You might spend money on your own drink, but you sure don’t have to pay for anything else. So get on one of the reputed video chatting apps and find your date at no cost at all.
- Learn new things
For the last few months, everyone has sat at home with nowhere to go. Instead of crying about the lack of things to do, make use of this time to learn something new. Thanks to technology, there’s a lot that can be done without moving a muscle. Use video chatting portals to learn music, try out new recipes, watch and share new shows on Netflix, and participate in good discussions through public chat room forums. All you need is the will and the desire to try out something new and technology will have it serve it to you on a platter.
Features to look out for in a video chatting application
With so many video chatting benefits, you’re probably considering joining an app if you haven’t already. In your search, it is vital to look at the reviews written by other users, read about all their features and make an informed decision. Here are some of the must-have features in a video chatting platform to make your experience enjoyable and interactive.
- Suitable on all devices with premier safety features
A lot of video chatting platforms work well only on a single operating system. Avoid these apps as they become a hassle if you change gadgets or shift to another operating system. Always choose those that are compatible with all major operating systems including iOS, Android, and the like. Also, check if your video chatting app is running on the latest firmware version. This ensures that it has all the latest security features.
- Public and private chat rooms
Always look out for video chatting platforms where you can have the option of both private and public chat rooms. In the private rooms you choose the people you want to interact with. They could be known friends and family or even strangers. You have absolute control over the people you converse with. On the other hand, the public chat rooms allow you to interact with a larger audience. Try out video chatting apps like Camfrog that offer public chat rooms where you can connect with a larger set of people at one time. These places are great to make conversations more interactive through interesting debates or sharing videos, images, and audio.
- Fun through virtual gifts
Video chatting should be as interactive and enjoyable as possible and many video chatting platforms work hard to meet that goal. For instance, Camfrog has a rewards and prizes system wherein users can buy stickers and send them to friends and potential friends. It is a great way to break the ice and to enter a public chat room.
- File sharing
Chatting can be even more fun if you share interesting videos and audio with people. Also, sharing your images if you are comfortable makes the conversation more interactive. Look out for video chatting platforms like Camfrog Pro that allow users to send and receive all kinds of files.
Do’s and don’ts of video chatting platforms
Though these video chatting platforms are a huge boon for making new friends and reconnecting with old ones during this phase of social distancing and isolation, they have also left many feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable due to privacy concerns. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you should adhere to on video chatting platforms.
- Restrict information
To be a part of any social media platform, you need to give out information and details. However, there are video chatting apps that do not ask for sensitive information. For instance, if you do not want to share your picture with a complete stranger in the first few conversations, you should be given the freedom not to do so. Similarly, you needn’t share your exact location with anybody on such platforms. If any video chatting platform asks for these details, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. Your privacy is ultimately in your hands, so be cautious of what you share online as it can be misused.
- Avoid clutter and clamor
It is very distracting for another person to indulge in a conversation with you if your surroundings aren’t peaceful and clutter-free. In fact, it shows a lack of interest in the video chatting experience. Always ensure that you choose a quiet spot with a preferably plain background. Appearances also matter, so take care to look presentable. You needn’t be in your party best, but a clean outfit and well-combed hair is a must. This will not only make the other person feel special but will also help you enjoy an excuse to get out of your PJs and wear something more appealing.
- No multitasking
When video chatting, it is crucial to give all your attention to the person you are chatting with. It shows respect for the person and also allows you to focus on the call completely. Avoid attending to calls, answering emails or doing other household work during this time. This is your ‘me time’ so indulge in it completely.
- Check the audio and video settings
Webcams can be tricky. Always check your image on the laptop or iPad before you start the chat. For instance, you don’t want the other person to see just your nostrils and not your entire face. Sometimes the angle of the camera is wrong if kept too high or too low. Ensure that the camera is at the eye level as it will allow the other person to see your entire face clearly. Buy an external HD camera if you can to maximize image quality. Similarly, invest in a good microphone for proper audio clarity.
Meaningful conversations and interactions with people are much needed to bust stress for most people. When physical contact is near-impossible, video chatting platforms like Camfrog come to the rescue. They make face-to-face interactions as real as meeting people physically. They allow for socializing with known people and also making new bonds with strangers. Join any of the popular and safe video chatting platforms and get your social life back on track sans facemasks, handshakes, and dicey travels.
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