Video conferencing is convenient and cost-effective, but technical difficulties and lack of personal connection are common disadvantages. Setting up the technology and logistical issues must also be considered.
Video conferencing is increasingly becoming a popular option in business and education due to its convenience and the elimination of travel expenses. However, there are also some disadvantages of video conferencing. First, whenever technology is used, technical difficulties should be expected; this can range from software glitches, problems with the computer hardware itself, or even surrounding distractions that make it hard to hear or see, such as ambient noise in an office. Some people also lack the personal connections that occur in a more traditional setting, like a handshake and eye contact, that are missing in a video conference.
The cost to set up this technology is another of the most common disadvantages of video conferencing. Companies that have a lot of travel expenses for employees will often find this process worthy, but some smaller companies may find the cost of video conferencing prohibitive. Companies will also need to plan where they will install video conferencing; for example, a conference room is a good choice, but that same room cannot be used for meetings if video conferencing is in progress. While perhaps not disadvantages of video conferencing, logistical issues like these are something to think about.
Technical problems are some of the most common disadvantages of video conferencing. Software glitches are quite common, which may require a call to technical support, disrupting your entire conference schedule. Your computer’s camera or microphone may also not work. Also, some offices may experience unexpected problems, such as noise from outside. There are numerous ways a video conference could be disrupted that generally wouldn’t be a problem during an in-person conference.
Another major disadvantage of video conferencing is the lack of personal contact. When trying to develop a business relationship, or even when interviewing someone for a job, it can be important to see how the person handles themselves in professional situations. A firm handshake and friendly eye contact are some of the best ways to determine this, but video conferencing prevents this. As technology continues to improve, this will likely be less of an issue, but there still won’t be a substitute for meeting someone in person. Of course, the benefits of video conferencing usually outweigh the few drawbacks, but for some occasions, there’s just no substitute for an old-fashioned person-to-person meeting.
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