mashable.com
A new study in Nature reveals that video call glitches significantly impact social interactions beyond mere annoyance. These glitches, creating an “uncanny valley” effect, erode trust and engagement in crucial scenarios like job interviews, healthcare consultations, and legal proceedings. This is due to the illusion of face-to-face communication being shattered by dropped connections and audio-visual misalignment. The study highlights how this disproportionately affects individuals with unreliable internet access, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in health, career prospects, and justice. Researchers advocate for reassessing the reliance on virtual interactions and exploring ways to mitigate the negative effects of video glitches, like using humor.
