By Pearce Hungate
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —Welcome back to Hogs at Home. Thanks for tuning in as we try to make your quarantine just a little more enjoyable.
Perhaps the worst part about the quarantine for most people is the loneliness. With most places closed, and hanging out in person too dangerous to risk, many are finding themselves missing their friends and family. But what if there were a way to hang out with everyone, while staying in? Thanks to the rapid development of technology in the past couple decades, that’s now more than possible.
Many classes have been using Zoom to meet. Zoom isn’t just for class, however; it can be used for setting up a chatroom for you and your friends to hang out. Sure you’re not in person, but wouldn’t it be good to at least see their face again?
There are other options besides Zoom, of course. Skype has long been the leader in face-to-face internet calls, and other services like Discord or Teamspeak can get you talking to your friends just as easily. The best part of all of this is that each software has a free version that’s more than enough for your needs.
If you want to watch movies with your friends, then you’re in luck. Netflix has introduced the Netflix Party function. You and your closest friends can all simultaneously stream the same movie and interact in a chatroom. If corona has cancelled your weekly movie night, consider Netflix Party.
Classic board and card games can be found online as well. While you can pay for dedicated online board games, many websites let you play games like Uno, Monopoly and more for free. Exercise caution when trying to find your favorite games online. If the website asks you to download something, it’s probably not trustworthy and should be avoided.
Online gamers have probably fared the best of us to stay busy during quarantine. If you’ve never considered online multiplayer games, then maybe now’s the time. There are plenty of options that are perfect for those new to online games, or even those new to video games in general. Do your research or ask any gamers you might be friends with. They’ll be happy to help.
Plenty of games can still be played without having to go online. Truth or Dare can be done almost as easily online as in person, as well as Never Have I Ever and other party games. Sure it might be a throwback to middle school, but it can be fun under the circumstances.
Coordinate ordering the same things from local takeout places. Have a hot wings challenge. The possibilities are endless. No other generation has been so well-equipped to stay socialized while staying in their homes. It’s best that we take advantage of it.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for more ways to keep entertained under quarantine.