Photo by Emiliano Cicero, Unsplash.

A while ago, during one of my online work meetings, I realized I had turned off my camera and was only heard in the conversation. In that moment, I felt that a part of my presence was missing. It was like sitting at the back of a room in an in-person meeting, just listening without making eye contact with anyone. My voice was enough to keep the discussion going, but the human connection felt weaker and less personal.

On the other hand, having the camera on creates an entirely different experience. Seeing my colleagues’ faces, even through a screen, gives me more energy and a sense of real interaction. Sometimes I can even notice nonverbal cues like a smile, a raised eyebrow, or the expression in someone’s eyes, showing exactly how they feel. However, keeping the camera on is not always easy. Stress, fatigue, or a busy mind can make it feel better to listen quietly and keep the camera off.

Therefore, the question of whether to turn the camera on or off does not have a single answer. It is more of a conscious choice, balancing the needs of the meeting with personal comfort. Some meetings require active visual presence to keep the conversation lively, while others are fine with just listening, allowing focus and productivity. In my experience, respecting these differences improves the quality of the meeting and makes people feel more comfortable.

Perhaps the most crucial point is to give ourselves and others the freedom to choose, rather than turning the camera on or off into a strict rule. If a meeting requires interaction, we can encourage participants to turn on their cameras. If someone keeps it off, it should not be seen as disinterest or lack of engagement. In the end, what really matters is the quality of the conversation, mindfulness, and mutual respect, not just the image on the screen.