This is a typical Team meeting illustrated by cats and dogs

Businesses across the globe adopted virtual meetings in response to the pandemic that erupted in 2020. As more and more people worked from home, software platforms like Zoom and Teams became ubiquitous, but their widespread use also revealed several weaknesses and limitations. Today, virtual meetings can be conducted using high-resolution video and sophisticated virtual presence features, as well as audio conference facilities, which have been around for decades. While videoconferencing has become more common, there have been some challenges. The use of video conferencing can result in what has been defined as Zoom fatigue or physical or mental exhaustion, for instance. Many factors contribute to this exhaustion, such as prolonged direct eye contact. A typical face-to-face meeting involves very short time spent looking directly into each other's eyes.

Video conferences, on the other hand, are typically characterized by intense eye contact. Additionally, large and close images can trigger increased brain activity, biochemical changes, and physiological states associated with high alertness and fight-or-flight. The size and proximity of such images may violate our sense of personal space or cause us to perceive them as threatening. Participants may also experience information overload as they attempt to focus on multiple faces simultaneously, all in one-inch boxes that often jump from one position on the screen to another as different individuals speak. During virtual meetings, participants' attention is drawn to others' faces and the things or people visible in their backgrounds. Although useful, the chat function can significantly increase meeting participants' information processing load if the content distracts them.

Furthermore, seeing one's self-image can increase self-consciousness and alertness, leading to hyper-awareness of one's appearance. After the pandemic, virtual meetings will become a necessity to be widely accepted as an alternative to face-to-face meetings. As a result, the question of when and how to meet virtually will be more prevalent. Since videoconferencing is likely to become the preferred mode for business meetings, and working from home may become a permanent thing for many, it is critical to understand the challenges that can arise from video conferencing. Although this is a discussion I must leave to the experts, I will contribute by reporting on a personal study that helped me come up with an accurate illustration of typical participants portrayed by cats and dogs of a typical meeting on Teams or Zoom.

The One Who's Dressed Up for No Reason

We're all hoping that Bandit is off somewhere lovely after this meeting. This implies that he completely forgot about the quarterly earnings report and is trying to distract us by overcompensating.

The one who thought their camera had been turned off

The remote-working lifestyle has gotten Barkley used to it, but he still struggles with the "Stop Video" button. It is unfortunate for everyone involved.

There is always one who is always on mute

She thinks she can overpower the mute button if he shouts loud enough.

The One Who Doesn't Have Time for Lunch Between Teams meetings

Since she has back-to-back meetings all day, you can watch her eat her lunch while she talks about them.

The Over-comfortable

He sees Teams meetings as just things he has to do between naps. Please speak a little more quietly. He would appreciate it.

One who is a bit off-screen or too close to the camera

A meeting with him involves figuring out where he placed his laptop on earth.

The one using Zoom as a mirror for hair and makeup

She doesn't know there's an option to "hide self-view" in Zoom, and if she did, she'd probably be devastated.

That person who feels comfortable leaving without saying a word

After he gets everything he needs from a Zoom meeting, he leaves. I believe he is on the right track.