What can you do when everything is an advertorial, and use of brand names is questioned, and you’re asked to do a story on mobile tech during MCO (Movement Control Order)? Write the dullest general story you can think off.

My first worry is if this story has no value to the reader. By being so non-specific and without any direct examples, most readers, especially the non-tech inclined ones, would be lost. So let’s fix that here.

To stay informed, use Twitter. It is easy to manage the noise here. Block out irrelevant information by using lists and filters. For example, if you want to be on top of the latest COVID-19 news in Malaysia, make a list and fill it up with relevant accounts. Try the official Heath Ministry account (@KKMPutrajaya), the Department of Information (@JPenerangan), and the Health Ministry Director General (@DGHisham).

The best part is, once you start making your list, Twitter will recommend you more, and their recommendations can be spot on. Just add a few that you think is relevant.

The government ministries also tend to use Facebook live for videos. Skip that and stick to love news broadcasts on YouTube like Bernama TV or Astro Awani. FB is one of the worst places to be right now unless you start from scratch.

To stay connected, don’t underestimate the simple phone call. It can get expensive, depending on your telco as they focus more on data, so maybe use your landline for that. Or give video chat a chance.

If you got an iPhone, use Facetime; if you have an Android phone, use Duo, which also works across platforms. However, if you are paying close attention, you will notice that the government has been using Telegram, as a tool to disseminate accurate information, so why not try that. Telegram is actually really good, it’s secure, does not compress your media when you send it, and unlike WhatsApp is not owned by Facebook.

To stay curious, there are plenty of apps and services to choose from. Memrise and Duo Lingo can help you learn a new language, and an Audible subscription can get you books and lectures to learn a new skill. Look at Skillshare, Curiosity, and other educational sites as well for more.

Feeling cheap? Try YouTube. There’s plenty of good educational videos there. Just don’t get distracted and find a reputable source.

Finally, to stay creative, you’ll need ideas and maybe some additional hardware. Record yourself, start a Vlog, share with others how you stay informed, stay connected, stay curious, and help them stay creative.

I’m going to try this last part for myself. But, to start, I need some lights and a phone stand. Those are coming soon, from Shopee.

Fun Fact: all the photos used in the story printed are from an iPhone.