From catching up with colleagues to virtual date nights, social isolation has made video-conferencing an integral part of life under lockdown. This so-called ‘Zoom Boom’ is big news for Big Tech, and Facebook is hoping to cash in on the phenomenon by expanding its group video functions.

As people across the globe abruptly adjust to remote working, many have faced challenges – from WiFi woes to toddler tantrums on Zoom. Canvas8 spoke to Dave Cook, an anthropologist at University College London, to better understand how people can perform their best when working remotely.

Video calls may have helped to ease isolation during lockdown, but it’s not just humans that can provide a sense of connection. Canvas8 spoke to social psychologist Dr. Elaine Paravati Harrigan to understand how people are fulfilling social needs with or without others.

The number of remote college students in the US is on the up and being accelerated by the pandemic – but questions around engagement remain. To that end, a study has found that telepresence robots in classes can help remote learners feel more connected to their classmates and teachers.