As we live on through the coronavirus epidemic, a group of close friends show us that life can still be enjoyed even in these trying times.

Leonard Patrick, an IT field support technician for a law enforcement agency, explained that his job has given him some very strict rules to follow during this pandemic. He is only allowed to get groceries, gas, and his only acceptable company is his immediate family. He admits that he and his family have grown closer together due to proximity because, prior to quarantine, he and his family largely went out of the house for most of the day. 

Patrick has also kept himself busy with hobbies such as painting “Warhammer 40,000” models and playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. Although Patrick enjoys the company provided by his family, being able to be with his friends is something he greatly misses.

Kyle Cefalo is an engineer’s aide for the San Joaquin County Public Works Office of Design. He and Patrick are friends and share several interests. Cefalo even runs a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for his friends. 

Cefalo’s office actually started basic social distancing and sanitation practices before more aggressive work from home policies were put into effect. Aside from that, he finds that his work is largely unchanged.

Cefalo feels that social media is largely a net positive due to being able to stay connected with his friends but, as people can sow panic and misinformation, it can prove to be a double edged sword. “The positive aspects are definitely the sharper side of that sword,” Cefalo says.

Matthew Robertson, a data center technician, actually had a date set before the quarantine happened, which has been delayed until after it ends. Until then, he is staying at home, catching up on shows and going for walks in his free time.

So, how are these friends safely and responsibly using social media to keep in contact with each other and their loved ones during these odd times? The answer is the online chat room app, Discord. Discord allows for drop in/drop out group chat rooms and a more streamlined friend adding system, as opposed to other apps like Skype. 

This group of friends share a forum within the app and Discord is actually the medium in which these interviews were conducted. Forums can be made for different groups of friends, interests and topic.

Whenever a large group is online, one or two of the friends typically ends up live streaming a video game they are playing so they can further their discussion and continue to engage. This is usually what this group of close friends do. No matter what interest you or your group of close friends may have, it can be shared through the Discord app.

These individuals are friends for a reason: they have common interests. Luckily, because of the Discord app, the hobbies that were discussed above can continue to be shared, even during a pandemic like the coronavirus. With caution and the support of our friends, we can all get through this quarantine. Remember, social distancing does not mean you can’t still have fun with friends.