We are not alone. This pandemic teaches us the importance of shared
moments
Meaningful connections with our loved ones help us get through this crisis
MANILA, Philippines - There’s a universal truth that has sprung from textbooks to reality in
recent weeks: humans need meaningful connections.
When rumors of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) spread, many of us flocked to the
supermarkets and drugstores to stock up on food and medicines for our loved ones. Next thing
we knew, the rumors became reality.
We became isolated in our homes, far away from the people we're used to be around with at
work, school, or hangout places. Loneliness hit us. And no matter how introverted or socially
flexible we considered ourselves to be, social isolation can be overwhelming. This is especially
true for most of us in the city who only have ourselves to wake up to the next day.
But we are not alone. As cliché as it may seem, this phrase speaks the truth. We are only
physically isolated, not separated.
We are lucky that it’s the year 2020 and we have the Internet as our friend. Through technology,
we can connect with other people: families, friends, and even strangers.
In fact, Filipinos are some of the most active internet users worldwide. This probably isn’t news
to anyone who’s active in Stan Twitter, Subtle Asian Facebook groups, or those who regularly
communicate with OFW family members.
Everywhere you look in the virtual space, there’s a Filipino there. This only goes to show how
important communication and expression is to our culture.
For those who are only discovering this for the first time, open your laptop or your phone. Click
on the family members not living with you today. Know that a few decades ago, seeing their
faces on that small screen and talking to them in real-time would have been impossible.
Your friends may not be next to you holding your hand while you break down, at least they are
just a click away. In the same way, we can easily comfort our family and friends in these
uncertain times - whether through a call, text, chat, or a voice message in your favorite app.
Moreover, the Internet has enabled us to come together to reach out to those who need our
help and support through the numerous donation drives across online groups. These efforts
remind us that every little contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of others.
Rappler.com