Digital Kinship in Covid Times : A multitude of Conversations

I'm sure like me you have been on the blower (English slang for a Phone) constantly over the past few weeks.

I've personally taken to walking whilst im talking which for some, if they insist on a video call, is a upnostril upbeard shot of my face. Doesn't matter who I talk to you get the choice ;)

 As social beings we have a natural thirst for connection. Technology such as the phone has brought engendered that connection beyond being within earshot or two cups and piece of string. However with the democratic advent of video calls i do feel this brings a digital kinship that audio alone does not. To all intents we are sensorial and the more senses you stimulate the closer to verisimilutude tech can deliver

It was my father's 70th birthday yesterday & in pursuit of said kinship the family all jumped on a video call for a couple of hours to send well wishes & enjoy a virtual dinner. A very bizarre experience seeing as my face was cut off and i'm not drinking but nonetheless more fulfilling than listening to people slurping down their veg on an audio conference.

I'm also doing a blitz on catching up with old friends & colleagues that I've not spoken to in a while. I'm aiming at 3 new but old calls a week. It's been a delight. If ive not got around to you yet i'm coming...but if you read this and think ive not talked to that fool in a while then please do the reachy reach outs and lets have a chinwag.

These calls are great because essentially they're a catch up of the time you have been bereft of each others personality. I spoke with an old friend from WPP yesterday realising we had both not spoken for nearly 4 years which means kids and job changes galore.

It got me thinking there must be a multitude of conversations that are occuring during Covid. Here are 10 off the top of my head

1.    The Catch Up

2.    The Birthday congrats

3.    The Offer

4.    The Youre Furloughed/Fired

5.    The "Can I pick your brains"

6.    The Stimulation : Intellectual & Sexual ;)

7.    The can I get your Advice

8.    The shoulder to cry

9.    The you should be aware of this

10. The Debate

 Bonus:

11. The Do you know so & so & can you intro me

Have you had a bunch of these?

Let me know if you have anymore to add…..sure there is more colour and complexitity to the myriad connections we’re making

And do pick up the phone…esp if you want to see my up nostrils…it’s an angle you wont get to see everyday once Covid finally disspates

On Guard

://jc