"Intuition might have you thinking that face-to-face contact is better at getting the creative juices flowing than a voice-only phone call. A 2022 study led by business professor Melanie Brucks, however, found that videoconferencing was detrimental to creative idea generation because communicators feel obligated to stare at the screen. The experiment pitted videoconference groups against in-person groups to see which could find more creative uses for different objects."
"I am a biomedical scientist and author of Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces that Make Us Who We Are, a book that explores hidden forces that influence our behavior. As in the business world, we have seen steep inclines in the use of video conferencing in academia for job interviews, online classes, team meetings, and international symposia."
Video conferencing is widespread, offering convenience, cost savings, and the psychological benefit of face-to-face contact while enabling remote hiring and international collaboration. Scientific studies reveal disadvantages: videoconferencing can reduce creative idea generation because participants feel compelled to stare at screens. A 2022 study found in-person groups produced more creative uses for objects than videoconference groups. Narrow visual focus during video calls correlates with narrower cognitive focus, reducing creativity. Technical problems and subpar equipment prompt negative judgments of the speaker. The background visible behind a speaker also shapes how others perceive them.
Read at Psychology Today
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