**Florida’s DJ Haddad hosts a virtual party.**

When you consider the ever changing circumstances in society that either indirectly or directly affect the day to day lives of the average person, it’s no surprise that technology has become an integral part of our daily routines.

Besides reducing stress by simplifying tasks, it also acts as a pivotal tool in keeping billions of people connected through social media, which not only adds to the long list of its uses, but contributes to its appeal as well.

It’s not an exaggeration to assume that technology is widely depended on whether it’s used professionally or for amusement. This begs the question: How does a technological society react to a global pandemic?

If we take a look at the community, it’s evident that we adapt as the events of the pandemic continue to unfold, however, despite the urgency of social distancing, this hasn’t kept our community from standing in arms with each other.

Downey Unified School District, for example, has made significant strides in making online learning possible by utilizing the available technology to keep in touch with their students in the event the pandemic should cause any needs to arise. Aside from students being affected, many working class citizens find themselves out of work, creating a major problem as bills continue to roll in despite the lacking source of income. To combat this, organizations such as the Downey Tenants Union have begun campaigning on a variety of different social media platforms as they advocate and inform residents about possible options at their disposal in the event they can’t pay rent, once again showing the benefit of technology during a time like this as it amplifies the needs of marginalized people, allowing for said needs to be catered to.

Ironically, something that has been advised to be consumed in controlled quantities pre-quarantine out of fear of losing touch with the world around you seems to be the only thing keeping the world spinning. Thousands gather on video chat apps every day whether it’s for school, business, or simply for personal reasons, making the popular video chatting program known as Zoom the new social gathering hub in lieu of real life gatherings. Many have begun to get creative with the different implications a laptop and an internet connection has.

A group of New Yorkers, for example, created an online club known as Club Quarantine, @clubquarantine on Instagram, where a Zoom join code is released every day at 9 est., offering anyone with a laptop or a phone a fun getaway from everyday life that's filled with music and laughs. The club has since garnered 50,000 followers in a month.

Musicians Dylan Brady and Laura Les, who together form the band 100 Gecs, have even organized what they call “Square Garden,” which is essentially a music festival taking place in the video game Minecraft. Donations made towards Square Garden will go to Feeding America to further aid the crisis’ emerging as a result of COVID-19.

Downey’s own Stay Gallery has contributed to finding a silver lining in social distancing as they have announced a virtual group exhibition with the theme of “human connection in a time when social distancing is the new normal.”

Not only does this give those with a career in the arts exposure in a time where exposure is the last thing we desire, but it’s a reminder that when facing adversity, humans have found a way to acclimate, whether it’s organizing tenants to stand up for their rights, hosting Easter Sunday on a video call, or creating an virtual art exhibition, music festival or club, humans will continue to do so out of necessity but also, if the resources allow for it, because we simply can’t help it.

John Jacho is a senior at Warren High School.

In times of quarantine, people form digital connections