WhatsApp has released a new sticker pack designed to promote and highlight self-isolation. The ability to communicate with others, and across the globe, through platforms like WhatsApp have become especially important since the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in governments asking communities to stay home.
Eighteen months ago stickers were released on WhatsApp and since then billions are used every day within the app. Much like emojis, these stickers have become a form of communication without the need for words. WhatsApp has realized not only the popularity of the stickers, but also their impact on the app and due to this, the service continues to roll out new sticker packs relating to current events, much like Facebook does with reactions.
In a recent WhatsApp blog post, the service confirmed the release of a new "Together at Home" sticker pack. The stickers have been created in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to continue to help people stay connected throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This is not the first technological platform that the WHO has worked with during the outbreak as the public health agency has also taken to TikTok to provide information, while also recommending people play video games in order to continue to be entertained during social isolation. For World of Warcraft players, one topical option is a pandemic event being run on a fan server that encourages social distancing.
WhatsApp & The WHO's New Sticker Pack
In order to download these stickers and join in on the fun with your friends and family, the first thing you need to do is download WhatsApp. Once in the app, begin a chat with either a single person or a group of your choosing. Either way, while in the chat, tap on the emoji button directly to the left of where you would type a message, and at the bottom of the screen there will be three icons which lead to emojis, gifs and stickers, respectively. Tap on the sticker icon on the right, and just under the message bar to the right will be a plus (+) icon. Tapping this icon will bring the user to the page where they can download the Together at Home pack, as well as other packs that can be used to express yourself within the app. Once downloaded, simply click on the new icon that appeared below the message bar and tap on the sticker you would like to send.
As a whole, these stickers can add to the ways in which people communicate with their friends and family during the outbreak, which makes them a useful addition to the platform. For reference, this is not the first time WhatsApp has made changes to help with COVID-19, as it also recently created an information hub which shows users where to find reputable information on coronavirus.
Source: WhatsApp