Human connections are invaluable, and even before the mass isolation caused by this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, digital pioneers were finding innovative ways to create meaningful connections between people online.

For example, Be My Eyes is a free app that connects vision-compromised people with sighted volunteers who provide real-time help in navigating unfamiliar surroundings. Goodnight Zoom is an online platform that allows isolated seniors to serve as storytellers to children, giving lonely seniors new connections and providing a break for busy parents.

Telehealth services have been around for decades, but COVID will certainly accelerate their adoption, as well as introduce more niche offerings like the aforementioned.