Social Connections

Stay Connected to Friends and Loved Ones During COVID

Many individuals and families are having virtual family dinners, play dates, happy hours, and holiday celebrations using these technological resources.  Staying socially connected with friends and loved ones is a key resource for emotional wellness!

Social Media

• Messenger - Facebook
  “Be together, whenever.  A simple way to text, video chat and plan things all in one place.” Messenger is a Facebook product for use on mobile phones, computers, or tablets; uses WiFi for data.
• FaceTime - Apple
  “Connect with family and friends around the world with FaceTime. Make audio and video calls from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to other iOS devices or even a Mac.”
• Google Hangouts
  “Hangouts bring conversations to life with photos, emoji, and even group video calls for free. Connect with friends across computers, Android, and Apple devices.”
• Skype 
  “Stay in touch! Free online calls, messaging, and affordable international calling to mobiles or landlines.”
• WhatsApp
  “With WhatsApp, you'll get fast, simple, secure messaging and calling for free*, available on phones all over the world. * Data charges may apply.”

Entertainment with Friends

Board Games

• Online games to play with socially distant friends and family: The 22 Best Online Games to Play with Friends During the Coronavirus Outbreak - Parade
• Board games that are easy to play as a group via any of the connection technologies mentioned on this page. 11 Board Games You Can Play Online While Stuck at Home (Photos) - TheWrap

Netflix Parties

Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows. It’s ONLY available on Chrome browsers on desktop or laptop computers.

• Time for a Netflix Party with friends again. Here's how to watch shows at the same time.

Virtual Happy Hours

• How to optimize a virtual happy hour: How to Have a Successful Virtual Happy Hour - NYTimes

Virtual Meals

• “The rules” for virtual lunches: The Rules for Having Lunch Over Zoom - Forge
• Suggestions for hosting a virtual dinner party: How To Throw A Virtual Dinner Party - Delish