Let's Break the Internet

I'm sure you must have all received the warning that informs us how the Internet is going to break, some European countries have already issued guidelines for throttling HD to SD, and that Amazon Prime and Netflix have already been affected. The intention being that "we can help" by not forwarding Whatsapp images, videos, messages, corona virus information and similar terribly data-stressing and bandwidth-killing things! Not received? Count yourself lucky.

An Overloaded Net

Some of the messages also suggest that WFH (the new buzzword) has "increased the load" on the Internet. I wonder what internet these people were using at their offices, which are now 'loadless'? To be fair, I agree with reducing the multiple forwards and copies of messages which are being sent around -- but to be factual, this is hardly going to break or crash the Internet. The greatest sufferer could be your phone memory and perhaps your shared broadband which could slow down considerably when video streaming and free downloads are taking place. I believe the people who work from home could experience some stress, but not merely because of WhatsApp forwards.

Yes, the internet is definitely being used in all its forms, affecting bandwidth but also producing a whole new societal structure. Let's look at some of the ways the increased use of internet tools is changing our lives.

Psychological Considerations

This morning I read a note from two different psychologists on managing smaller kids by being with them while they fill their waking hours with things to do - especially those one child families. They indicate that rather than let them loose with their 'digital babysitters', parents should sit alongside and provide that emotional support while kids work through useful and educational activities. Easier said than done say the parents.

Another person representing a mental health organization advises that people need to connect and share a joke or just chat with colleagues while WFH, to add the interpersonal touch. Facebook is getting its fair share of "copy and post, do not share" messages asking people to show solidarity for people who may undergo depression or by forming a network of friends who will stand by one another. So, all this is real, for sure. But the Internet is not likely to break because of it. In fact, looking at some of the things people are doing to stay in touch gives me a lot of faith in the human spirit, empathy and collaboration.

Tainted Papers

My newspaper arrived under the door today after a brief hiatus of four days. In the interim my WA groups have been quick to send me newspapers online, as I mentioned in my last article. This morning, though, as more and more people got their paper-newspapers, there was an outpouring of forwards as to why one should not touch the newspaper. To my horror, it seemed that all the newsies (delivery boys) were all infected and passing on the virus on Page Three, no less. Moreover, they were carefully placing it on lift buttons, doors, doorbells too, just in case you missed Page Three. When I suggested that even reading newspapers online presupposes that the mobile screens and keyboards have been washed for twenty seconds with soap, I faced a barrage of insults and condemnation. What did I say wrong?

Online Learning

Another controversy has arisen, the world over, about the rush by some schools to provide online classes. Technology to the rescue in the age of virus-promoted dumbing down of a generation. Imagine if teachers didn't actively teach and children were left to learn life skills from their parents, what a disaster it would be. So, teachers are making worksheets, posting them online and expecting parents (the ones who WFH?) to download and administer them. 'Never trust a parent' goes an unwritten code in schools. The completed worksheets are to uploaded (don't worry if you don't have the means, your teachers will guide you) for correction by the teachers. Download - Upload - Download - Upload - Download. That's easy to remember for the 55 children in your class!

People are also investing in online classes many of which are now free. There's everything you always wanted to know available on YouTube; learn a new skill, a musical instrument, some basic art, play a game. I know of some musicians who, in the absence of places to perform, are holding Facebook live sessions and educating large numbers of people. Yesterday I was fortunate to accidentally login to a story reading by Aritra Sarkar, full of passion and expression. It concluded with a strong message for our lives and times.

Zoom to the Rescue

A few days ago we started Zoom group sessions with 30 kids from our club. Initially to get them used to online group work, then a quiz, word games, poetry reading, story telling, and problem solving. They are eagerly logging in every day at 4 p.m. and the number has gone up to 45!

Personally, I am helping a small group of teens with public speaking using Zoom. It's amazing to see those who have always avoided the front line, happily speaking into a camera and getting appreciation from their friends.

And when all else is over there are a plethora of physical training classes, dance and Zumba classes and even exercise-in-your-chair sessions available online.

This article could go on with all the opportunities provided by this lock down coupled with the internet, but I leave it to you. Would you rather stifle the exchange of ideas, information, wit and humour or would you prefer to explore these opportunities afforded by the Internet, which, by the way, isn't as fragile as we might think?

Stay home! Stay Safe! And do leave a comment below.