The internet allowed connection to continue during lockdown, but for at least one young person, it also proved to be a steppingstone to a new career.

"Obviously you couldn't touch anyone but it was this really strong connection through the digital world."

Along with a lot of other people, Jessy Thurston and Sabrina Findon used social media during the first lockdown to keep up with the news and to stay connected with friends and family.

But they also used it to escape reality, with both positive and negative effects on their mental health.

Sabrina eventually found the courage to use social media to create a new business opportunity that is also an online community. Sabrina and Jessy discovered their skills in media and communication served them well and became the basis for new careers.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details