Although we are all cooped up in our houses, for the time being, life has not come to a halt. Individuals in quarantine have found ways to cope with being home 24/7, and some of them include making lockdown documentaries, TikTok videos, and doing birthday drive-bys.
Every day seems like the same routine for the past month or so: wake up, eat breakfast, watch tv. The day continues in a similar fashion with breaks for lunch, dinner, or a shower. While many are growing increasingly bored during this lockdown, others are taking the opportunity to seize the day.
Jeremy Cohen, a New York City photographer, has documented his journey of dating while in quarantine. An avid TikTok user, he has posted his short one-minute clips of social distancing dates and even dressing in a bubble suit to meet with his neighbor, Tori Cingarella. Although they are unable to meet in person, they get together quarantine-style. While they sit on their respective rooftops and enjoy a good meal, they facetime to make it feel like they are together. Jeremy told his followers, “Depending on how long this quarantine lasts, I might be in a long-distance relationship with someone who lives across the street from me.” Social interaction can seem far away for some, but Jeremy took the chance to get creative with his dates.
Social media apps like TikTok have been a way for people to connect and stay in touch during these troubling times. It also allows showcasing acts of love and good deeds that occur during quarantine. Jeremy’s videos are just some of the ones that can bring a smile to our faces. Instagram and Facebook have blown up with clips of neighbors providing groceries for those in need, or sending a hot meal to a friend down the hall from them. There are even groups on Facebook, such as the “Neighbors Grocery Relief” group, that allows individuals to volunteer and shop for elders or people who may be at high risk. While the situation that we are in is daunting, it has shown that people are there for each other during these times.
Videos of people singing to each other from their balconies, or using a DJ booth on a rooftop have also been showcased online. Individuals are using their talents to bring happiness and awareness to those around them in any way that they can. Photographers have depicted eerie empty streets of their neighborhoods, and exhausted nurses on their breaks. In NYC, there has been a loud round of applause for healthcare workers at 7 pm during their shift change. Through social media platforms, we are all able to experience the goodness that quarantine can bring happiness and joy out of people.
While we are all in a collective slump right now, we can find peace in the knowledge that good things are still happening all around the world.
