How To Convey Emotions Online?
Facial expressions, vocal variety, and body language
Hello friend,
How are you? I hope your summer is going well.
I joined a networking event yesterday on AltspaceVR - another metaverse platform out of many out there.
It was my second time using the platform. It boasts a wide range of virtual worlds people hang out on for various experiences.
Yet, what struck me this time, was the the lack of facial expressions to convey emotions and better connect with the people I talked to.
Beyond customizing your avatar, limited emojis and body movements - you still end up talking to an animated character.
I chuckled when I saw a guidelines signage, stating "keep in mind behind an avatar there is a real person, so be respectful."
Yea, right, considering what we've already seen going on on social where instead of an avatar shield, people use cryptic usernames to offload unfiltered thoughts...
Another day, I had a similar experience on LunchClub using Google Meet. The person I talked to was unable to turn on the camera.
I offered to jump on Zoom. Instead he asked if it's ok to chat like this for now? Forget about talking to an avatar, I ended up talking to a voice and black screen...
Luckily, it only lasted the first five minutes, then he figured out how to turn his camera on. Phew!
All these experiences, made me think about the importance of facial expressions to convey emotions online.
