Life in the times of Covid-19: Why community apps are a must for your neighbourhood

With every corner of the house transforming into a workplace, dining tables turning into classrooms, bedrooms turning into isolation wards and living space into gyms and home-run businesses, online communities have become more important than ever to remain connected with the world and have proven to be the go-to platform to gather support in this physically distanced situation. In times of hardships and uncertainty, it has become all the more imperative to be connected with the community as reliance for information and guidance comes from those around us. Thanks to technology, we can still maintain and bond with our neighbourhood online, through apps even though we are isolated or quarantined.

Given the current situation, though the thumb rule of the Covid-19 pandemic requires people to be physically apart, people have proven to champion humanity by being connected virtually to support anyone and everyone around them. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of people connecting and people are relying on community apps for all sorts of help. Community apps have proven to unite people together from their neighbourhood to help each other for the benefit of themselves and the larger society.

Having said that, stated below are the reasons why you must have a community app on your phone if you don't already have one:

Community is like an extended family: 

India has traditionally considered neighbourhoods as parts of an extended family. This has been ingrained in our hearts and minds which is precisely why we call them our neighbours “uncles and aunties”. This community and its relationship become even more vibrant during the time of celebrations - be it a gully cricket match within the society or birthday parties. While it may be difficult to physically be together, there are various means to stay connected virtually - through your mobile phones.

SOS: 

Whether it be a cup of sugar or needing a ride to the hospital, neighbourhood communities are always there to “Save Our Soul” (SOS). Relationships based on the proximity of distance have always been of great importance especially during the time of need. Even today in the heartlands of the country, people fall back on their neighbours for all sorts of help. If you had a plumbing failure, wouldn't you prefer calling the same service that your neighbour suggests because they already had a good experience with it? Here's where community apps help share resources and information and influence each other. The simple convenience of being able to help each other in the neighbourhood with just a click is very gratifying. Especially in these trying times with the pandemic and lockdowns in several areas, people are in dire need of groceries, medicines, oxygen cylinders and help with driving to vaccination centers.

Networking and socialising: 

Well, an online community may look different from that of an offline one but its essence is the same. Community apps already do the exhaustive groundwork of finding like-minded individuals that match with your likes and dislikes, what bliss isn't it? Why dance and sing alone confined in your room when you can find the right set of people who will tag along and be your audience too. Having people around with different backgrounds, community apps are a delight making it much easier to build a band of trusted networks and connections. Being a part of a group of people who share something more than a geographical location helps build valuable relationships, give a sense of belongingness, makes individuals feel safe and seem less lonely.

Support and wellbeing: 

There is no better feeling than being supported and being a support system for people around you and what better than finding your go-to person from your neighbourhood. Building up social groups within your neighbourhood to open up, share and talk about feelings can be a huge stress buster especially during current times when anxiety has crept in, leaving people desolate and depressed due to the pandemic. Considering the bustling environment we live in, there will never be a more relevant opportunity to help each other battle with their physical and mental well being.

By doing your bit towards the community you live in, you can also become a neighbourhood superhero.

This article has been written by Lakshna Jha, Co- founder, sNeighbour from sRide