What Are The Pros & Cons of Requiring "Cameras On" During Video Calls?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, virtual meetings have become a helpful tool for professional purposes. Due to social distancing, teachers and students could not come to the classrooms for lessons; co-workers could not come to the conference rooms for meetings. Instead, they just need to click the invitation link to a Zoom/Microsoft Team/Google Meet/Skype meeting. Knowing that virtual video call is a useful invention in the 4.0 era, the camera function has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The major goal of requiring cameras on during meetings is to gain the engagement of participants.
Concentration
When everyone knows they are being watched, they are more likely to stay focused on the meeting and less likely to multitask.
Improved engagement, non-verbal communication
Using the camera can help participants to feel more connected to one another, which can increase engagement and participation in the meeting. The use of cameras can help to convey non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language, which can enhance communication and understanding among participants. Seeing people’s faces and expressions can help to build a professional connection and promote a sense of community, even when working remotely or hybridly.
Professionalism
A meeting with cameras on can create a more professional and formal atmosphere. It can also help to build trust and rapport among participants. The manager/host can see the attitude of participants toward the meeting and the job. This is also an important factor to evaluate an employee.
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Besides the positive value that “camera on” brings about, there are also several negative aspects.
Technical issues
A call with camera on requires better internet condition than a call without camera on. Sometimes, the participants are in regions with unstable networks, it is difficult for them to accept this request. In addition, if all participants in the call turn their cameras on, the overall quality would be affected.
Privacy concern
The use of a camera can be uncomfortable, especially if the meeting is taking place in someone's home. Some people may be reluctant to reveal their surroundings, or they may have privacy concerns.
Distraction
Sometimes, the camera is the issue itself. Participants might be distracted when on camera. They focus on how themselves look on others’ screens, which could affect their concentration on the meeting.
Fatigue
Sitting in front of the screen for a meeting during a long time can be exhausting. Hence, requiring a camera may add an additional layer of stress, especially for people who are not accustomed to being on camera for extended periods.
As Requiring “Cameras On” has both pros and cons, how would we find out the optimal solution? Nowadays, virtual meeting platforms had updated ranges of convenient buttons such as reactions, raise hand, lower hand, questions, votes,... We should take advantages of all these innovations in the app for better call experience. However, when the number of participants is not big and they are close enough for a video call, camera is highly recommended.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! It’s My Nguyen from Vietnam! I am currently a college student majoring in Business Analytics and Marketing at Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. I have a passion for writing, especially about Gen Z, College life, Business related fields,... In 2019, I had my story published in the book for the Christmas event of Thanh Nien Publisher. For me, writing is an ideal way to nourish the soul. It helps you communicate with yourself and understand your feelings. I love making new friends. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram and check out my College diary!
