Online communication ranges from a simple 1-to-1 conversation, to regular meetings with 10 to 15 colleagues, and up to an ambitious webinar with 60+ participants. And obviously, they all started with what are now famous phrases like: Can you hear me? I can see you, but not hear you! Push that “share” button, etc. Here is a review of the past 3 weeks combining speakers and their surroundings to determine personality traits:

Many of my interlocutors typically showed either their ceilings or a white wall behind them as backgrounds, these are the introvert or neutral types, not wanting to reveal any extra personality aspects.

Others offered views of their interiors, ranging from an office space with the inevitable book shelves in the back for the most intellectual ones, to untidy kitchens, messy living rooms with kids playing around: these are the easy-going and extraverts, or most likely those who don’t have a proper office room (often students sharing apartments).

Also striking were complete bedroom surroundings, not ceilings, but indeed beds, cabinets and personal things. Very hospitable and social minded for sure, but I also felt like a voyeur, not expecting such a display of private domains.

One particular case was a colleague sitting in the middle of his office room in a cosy and warm arrangement of many books and other personal items. It looked like the perfect decorum for a casual chit-chat at the fireplace, very inviting, but alas it was just a meeting.

By contrast, many speakers leaned over their laptops offering just a close-up of their faces with the many imperfections due to confinement with either too little or too much light around. You can categorize them in either the stingy Dutch or perhaps the supporters of our famous LED-light manufacturer (used to be lightbulbs). These are in any case the narcissists who have their own faces prevail over any surroundings. It says a lot about their personalities, doesn’t it?

Finally, those putting their laptops with camera on the side and watching and speaking to another screen, so I could see them only from the side, not very communicative, indeed. And what about me and my surroundings? I made a clear choice: promoting one of my wife’s paintings hanging on the wall behind me as a colourful background (which has not gone unnoticed)! As a conclusion: while online, pay attention to your surroundings, or the absence of them, it says a lot about yourself!

From a theoretical point of view, the differences we’ve experienced working from home are a clear illustration of screen-to-screen (specific) vs face-to-face (diffuse) communication. When using a screen as an interface, we basically involve only 2 of our 5 senses: seeing and hearing (and sometimes only hearing) with little emotion.

In what used to be normal communication, all 5 senses are often engaged. The social distancing currently imposed allows more than the minimal screen stage, but it doesn’t create complete face-to-face communication.

When you are cocooning at home with your families, you create inclusive communication involving most of the 5 senses; whereas living alone makes it tougher, and it can lead to social isolation. At TU/e we are aware of that and taking measures to create more inclusion, belonging and ultimately wellbeing, especially in this Covid-19 pandemic era. Let’s all join forces against exclusion!