Joydev gives us a glimpse of how technology in the 21^st century has eased our lockdown period. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Imagine spending the lockdown days without Internet and any technology. A nightmare, right? Had this pandemic happened a century ago, lockdown would have meant something different then. Luckily, we are in the 21st century, and we have advanced technology with us during this lockdown.  

With a steep surge in the use of technology and most importantly the Internet, the COVID-19 has brought about a substantial change in the trends and pivots in consumer behaviour. Businesses too have to change their way of operation to meet the new demand habits of the consumers.

With a steep surge in the use of technology and most importantly the Internet, the COVID-19 has brought about a substantial change in the trends and pivots in consumer behaviour. Businesses too have to change their way of operation to meet the new demand habits of the consumers. The noticeable spots are food delivery, entertainment (OTT platforms), and productivity software that make work from home possible. Apart from these, some other sectors have witnessed a spike in use. Let’s look at what are these. 

Recreation and Mental Wellness

Meditation apps like Calm, Daily Meditation, and Headspace have witnessed record-breaking downloads during the lockdown. The current situation has impacted the mental health to a large extent. As a result of which, the Disaster Distress Helpline, a crisis hotline has seen an 891% spike in calls last month, seeking help and counselling. In the U.S., the alcohol delivery app Drizly is making massive sales. The company told Yahoo that it saw a 537% increase in sales in March, which is beyond expectations. 

Online Legal System

Writing ‘wills’ have become easier than ever before. With the legal system going online, seeking online advice and formatting wills have become quite easier than expected for the wealthy elderly folks. The online legal system has also addressed the issues and concerns of domestic violence

Writing ‘wills’ have become easier than ever before. With the legal system going online, seeking online advice and formatting wills have become quite easier than expected for the wealthy elderly folks. The online legal system has also addressed the issues and concerns of domestic violence, which is at its peak during this lockdown. In India, the National Commission for Women has issued a Whatsapp helpline number where anyone can register their complaints.

Keeping Kids Engaged while Working from Home

This definitely was a challenge for parents to manage kids while working from home. Thanks to technology, there were a number of apps that came to the rescue of these parents. Online kids game, learning apps, audio-visual apps for kids have recorded huge downloads during the lockdown. With video meeting apps serving a platform for online classes, school going kids stay engaged for a longer period of time interacting with their teachers and friends virtually.   

Use of Ed-Tech Apps

Various ed-tech or educational-technology startups like Byju’s and Unacademy have seen a spike in use these days. With the announcement to provide some courses free of cost amid coronavirus crisis, Byju’s witnessed a 60% per cent increase in traffic to its website. Webinars and virtual workshops have become common during the lockdown.

Gaming Products

 Video game sales are soaring these days as people find ways to entertain themselves. Gaming companies like Sony, Tencent, Apple, and Microsoft are performing well in the lockdown.

 Video game sales are soaring these days as people find ways to entertain themselves. Gaming companies like Sony, Tencent, Apple, and Microsoft are performing well in the lockdown. Online game retailers are also riding on the benefits of this trend. Companies selling gaming gears and consoles are in high demand. 

If we are happily spending our lockdown days, undeniably, technology deserves appreciation. 

Photos from the Internet