We’ve Got The Zoomies

Reported by Lauren Hall

Photography by Flickr.com

Zoom has become the main form of communication for people all around the world. Before we were instructed to go into full online learning the only online video call service I was aware of was Skype. Well, the amount of time I spend on Zoom alone indicate that it is one of the most popular platforms for communication right now.

With the social distancing regulations in play in the U.S I have seen birthday parties, game nights, and even heard about a wedding performed on Zoom. This system doesn’t go without its personal touches - like the fact that you can use any picture you want as your background! I was a part of a birthday party on Zoom and you can probably imagine the lag when it comes to twenty people singing happy birthdays.

One thing I think that people are craving is connection and we are lucky that Zoom has provided us with that chance. I have classes, Bible study, and game nights through Zoom and I am thankful for it. I think that the company itself is aware of its users' desires to connect with each other and they have even done some things for the people that use Zoom. When you exceed 40 minutes on a Zoom call sometimes it will automatically let you have more time on the call. Forty minutes has been their free cut off time for users since the program has started.

Although we are stuck inside our homes I am glad that Zoom gives us connections on a level that we have taken for granted. Once this quarantine is over I think we'll all be more grateful for face to face communication. Our human desire for connection can be met because Zoom connects us for free and in a way that brings joy to our everyday lives.