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Comment by vlunkr | Hacker News Reader

I'd love to see stats on how many people actually still use webcams for online meetings. I rarely do, and I don't care if anyone else turns theirs on. Watching someone act like they aren't hyper-aware of what they look like on camera adds very little value to the conversation. Unless you're in sales, trying to make a good impression, or some kind of introductory meeting, who cares?

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It's nice to see your colleagues and it adds an extra dimension to meetings.

With a 32" monitor it's actually really disconcerting to have a bunch of people feel way too close to me.

Why cant your resize the window?

It's a higher bandwidth signal. There's a lot of information conveyed in a person's face and posture. Seeing their reaction to what you say tells you more than just hearing their voice. It's also useful for avoiding collisions where everybody tries to talk at once, and even for identifying who clearly wants to say something, but may be hesitant to do so.

Personally I use the “turn off self view” option in Zoom, which at least reduces my own self-consciousness (and Zoom fatigue!).

True. But I think one can avoid the credibility damage presenting or appearing poorly over time can cause with just a little thought about audio and lighting etc. There are gains to be had simply by being seen and heard better even if there is low ‘diminishing returns’ point.

Some work environments really encourage them. I work in teams that always use them and in other teams that never use them. I don't think they add anything to conversations at all.

internal meetings I don't unless there's someone new.

meetings with external contacts are always with camera.

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