Plantronics Expectations

[Mr Brad Pitt]

Do you believe in computer-mediated relationships?
I mean, not solely love, work also for example.

After chats and forums, videoconference has be the next step to go: exchanging views with a co-worker through a webcam and a headset is still not very common, but that's no more unusual as well.

How would you react if you had to work mainly this way? Would you have this feeling of "desocialization" despite speaking to a human through a screen? Or would you rather enjoy being intensely involved in this ubiquitous, networking society?

[avax]

I do not like it. I've done videoconferencing - leisure, school and work. In the past I used to be more openminded. It is now, to me, probably the most inferior of communication methods, more inferior than traditional handwritten letters. I actually DO believe there's something highly suspect about individuals whose social lives are "computer-mediated". Yes, I'm judging, and yes, I do it flagrantly.

If I had to work that way - not an option. I can see it being a part of what I do, a small section that involves that, but otherwise, no way. If a company emphasized that as part of its culture, it is - to me - probably a place that has radically different priorities and values from mine. If it was just something they did or had to do, I would not consider it 'high-tech' or 'forward-thinking' - most likely that there's total misuse of funds, and lack of professionalism. If you want to talk, fly them into the office. NO executive or 'professional' should ever have to video conference - this is a ridiculous idea. If anyone is looking into anyone's face, it should be in person, not an image. Leave the petty details to voice messages. If you really want to gaze romantically into the eyes of your co-worker in Mauritius then ask them to send a picture of them on your own time and do it salivating like the creep you are.



End story.

[Mr Brad Pitt]

Wow, seems you had rather negative experiences ;D
Can you explain further?

For the record, some high-tech hospitals are using videoconference for long distance interventions (directly or indirectly).

Edit: Signed: a highly suspect individual

[avax]

kyuree said:

avax said:

That being said I'm getting sick thinking how many business ppl fly around w/o a good reason in big airplanes polluting the air and spending too much of their company's money.

Pollution is a pretty good point. But not the $$ part. Scrooge.

I have come to the conclusion that scientists must work hard in our 'modern eugenics' tampering not with double eyelids and other superfluous nonsense but in the creation of functional human wings.

[JohnCoolYoungHistory]

Live web cam sessions, WOOOOOOOO. It's a step up from phone sex.


Personally, I love chatting online because it's like an interactive letter in real time. Also, if you run out of something to say, there's other stuff to keep you busy online. One of my closest friends I've made in the past few months talks to me strictly online, and we're meeting up for the holidays.

Phone convos can get exhausting unless you're sure the convo will keep on rolling... They make me anxious.

And VIDEO conferencing/chats are just WEIRD. I don't know why but I feel like it's one or the other - you either chat it out, talk over the phone, or talk in person. I can't tell you why I'm weirded out by a video conference though, it just is.

[Freecia]

I once talked about it with a co woker before. He described his last job as a home based job that requires him to video conference with the headquarters everyday. Even though he has e-human contact everyday, he felt lonely regardless.
Perhaps the scent of other human beings or interaction via body gestures in real life is mentally better for one.

I wouldn't know. I've never had that experience before.

[Emily]

zoffster1 said:

I don't think this detracts from us working effectively at all.

Maybe efficiency isn't lowered, but I wonder what effect that would have on a large scale.

Given how much time people spend at work, I don't feel comfortable throwing away the social aspect out the window. I'd even say some people might lose some motivation if they don't have that socialisation factor to keep them going. Plus, many fields call for networking and I can see the quality of that being decreased if people mostly interact through technology.

[Mr Brad Pitt]

The fact is, while videoconferencing, you're actually socializing. Virtual isn't unreal.
This tool may enhance this social aspect at first then cut it down in the long run.

[avax]

Socializing at work is exhausting. I prefer to keep my distance.

Oh I forgot to add I only do video conferencing at redlightsocial.com. You get to have sex and stuff, virtually.