Nov 19 09
The Revolution Will Be Televised
By: Kelly Shea
Recent College Grad/The SNP Part-Timer
Earlier this week, Renn and I were discussing video communication tools, such as i-chat, vidyo.com and skype. These technologies have made video-conferencing easy and expected in workplaces. For businesses, video conferencing is often more effective than a phone call or e-mail, simply because body language and facial expressions are essential for clear communication. For most people the oft-used “emoticon” - doesn’t really cut it.
About a year ago, I was trained for a new job all via video-conferencing. The woman training me was somewhere in Idaho. For lack of a better place I was in my cramped San Francisco bedroom, which I meticulously cleaned for the video-chat occasion. It is unnerving to know that your face is being projected across the country, especially when the person on the other end is paying you. Video also makes the projected more self-aware. I had interviewed in San Francisco, but the woman in Idaho had never seen me. When I logged on she actually remarked, “I didn’t realize you were so young.” Having no idea how to reply to this comment I just nodded. Then we stared at each other’s digital faces for what felt like an entire minute of silence.
It seems inevitable that eventually all these screens will find their way into the personal sphere. I can honestly say that my friends and family would be resentful if my phone suddenly had video capabilities, exposing what I am really doing while they are talking (usually reading). Video is fairly safe when you are behind a desk in an office, but video that exposes the home illuminates any number of sins. For businesses, observance might up productivity since employees are forced to at least look interested during conference calls. No more secretly reading the newspaper while a client blabs away on the other end.
Renn’s theory is that the use of video/telephone technology in businesses is just the beginning. Next will be the advent of large screens at home and eventually full walls that totally expose the home and work environment to all that call. To many, this might be a bit disconcerting, but people are already becoming acclimated to more exposure in the personal and business sphere. A little (or a lot) of transparency never hurt anyone, right?
