While most people are staying at home, it seems like much of the world has transitioned onto social media more than ever before. Many can admit that, in this day and age, turning to your phone when boredom starts to set in is almost an innate response. However, during quarantine, the importance of social media is demonstrated by its positive use as a way to connect. People are making greater efforts to keep one another entertained through interactive activities and challenges on social media platforms, such as Instagram.  

Social media has proven to be an effective way to connect with people outside of your immediate household. Since most people cannot visit friends and distant relatives during this time, people have been using social media even more than usual. 

Aside from the usual commenting and posting interactions on Instagram, many challenges have come about. Most of these challenges are posting trends or involve being nominated by friends and followers. One popular challenge known as “Until Tomorrow” involves posting an embarrassing photo of oneself and leaving it up for twenty-four hours. Others include posting bingo templates and playing bingo with friends.

Challenges involving social media have been around for some time now. Many can recall the ALS ice bucket challenge of 2014. However, challenges have now become more frequent as they can keep people entertained. In addition, challenges have proven to maintain a sense of community during a time when physical gatherings are not possible. Many people have been doing live streams as well as virtual concerts through social media. 

Social media is a part of our daily lives with or without quarantine, but it has really proven to be a powerful connector when direct human interaction is not possible.