Virtual Connections.
By: Asieh L Nassehi Javan
Tags: Covid 19, Italy, Torino, Virtual

Virtual Connections.

Amazing! We are not even a week past the start of phase two of the lockdown and it seems that those who possessed bad habits have gone back to them. The two months of staying at home simply did not resonate with some people here in Torino. I have already seen drivers speed through red lights. Once again there are bunches of people chatting in the middle of the side walk seemingly unaware that it is for walking and not congregating. Worst of all, they don’t move out of the way so pedestrians can pass. What is this fascination with walking and chatting on mobile phones? More and more I see those who for some reason cannot be off their phones: Masks hanging while chatting with whomever. Argh. However I am not writing this to complain.

For many of us who live in Italy May 4th was cause for celebration as we entered phase two of the lockdown. Undoubtedly the news has traveled far and wide so I won’t bother you with the details. I do however want to focus on how Phase one became bearable as we were stuck at home, permitted to venture out only to buy food and medicine. Visiting loved ones and friends; out of the question.

During that phase of the lockdown we traveled to Edinburgh to hear our daughter play the blues, joined another 90 households in New York for a wedding. We celebrated a Birthday in Boston, attended a memorial in Virginia, joined friends and loved ones in Paris, Tehran, Boston, Jamestown, RI, and Miami for drinks. We organized a family reunion between Toronto, Maryland, and Edinburgh. It was the first time my brother and brother in law met each other. Mind you my husband and I have been married for over 31 years!

All for free.

What we lack in personal contact we are now experiencing virtually. This very moment I was contacted via “messenger” by a friend who I have not seen in over 20 years. Cheers to this new technology. With this new lifestyle and the thirst for contact with others there are so many ways to keep in touch and see each other. I remember as a child in the 60s watching the Cartoon “The Jetsons”. The characters communicated with each other via “video phone” and I thought “wow so cool”. Then telephones were rotary dial contraptions connected to walls with a wire. And as you can imagine there was definitely no video. Only voice and long distance phone calls were expensive.

But now thanks to the new technology which enables us to see each other and feel more connected. Yes of course we can’t hug and touch each other across screens but we can at least see each other and talk.

I believe it has been a lifeline for many during the continuing Covid 19 pandemic. Colleagues can continue work by telecommuting from home as families and friends connect and check up on each other with a number of apps like Whatsapp, Zoom, Messenger, Skype, Houseparty etc etc.

I believe this connection; albeit virtual, has lessened the feeling of isolation. There are some who live alone and hopefully can now can feel less isolated by seeing their loved ones.

Life goes on.

What I find interesting is that even with this virtual connection some still feel left out or not “invited”. It is like throwing a party and not inviting someone. That someone would get offended and upset. The same is still holding true with the virtual connections.

A friend complained that she was not invited to a “party” on line and was upset wondering why she was left out.

After all we are all human and no matter what, we do get upset when we are left out. With the tensions and fears that some grapple with on a daily basis feeling of sadness and neglect of not being invited is heightened. If it was any normal circumstance; like in the not so distant past, you probably won’t know that you were not invited or you could care less.

Not now. People are lonely and need some kind of connection so be kind and invite all your friends to your virtual drink night or party night. It will go a long way to make someone’s day.