With the issue of COVID-19 preventing people from leaving their homes across most countries, it is clear that things like internet and app usage will increase as there aren't many things to do other than that. This is clear for Facebook who have recorded high levels of of demand amid this crisis.
In terms of statistics, Facebook have recorded a 50% increase across both Messenger and WhatsApp as well as a 70% increase on Messenger Live video. Both of these numbers rising make sense since social interaction is prohibited across most nations therefore the next best things are applications such as Skype, Facebook, Instagram etc.
In terms of what tools specifically have been introduced:
Live broadcast audio- This tool is aimed at regular Facebook users. It is essentially the ability to still listen to live broadcasts without the actual video, so users with lower WiFi connection or data capacity have better accessibility. This would also be handy for people travelling, so they are able to tune into Live broadcasts without having to watch it, almost acting as a podcast.
Fundraising and charity live streams- COVID-19 as a whole has inspired people to connect more with the world, thus the huge increase in live streaming from regular Facebook users. Through this particular tool, users, large or small, have the ability to raise funds for charity through live streaming in addition to a toll-free number available to call. In addition to simply live streaming for charity, employees such as musicians who may heavily rely on live events for an income, this particular tool could be potentially manipulated to accommodate this and provide a level of income. This would both help them and reduce, even if it is a small percentage, the stress on the government in paying part of an income for them through via new legislation.
It is also expected that there are new tools to be coming out from Facebook as well as the other applications that it owns such as WhatsApp and Instagram as lock-down and heavy social distancing is likely to be longer than the majority expect so adaptations are required.
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