Can You Hear Me Now? Not Good
OK Google, tell me a joke. Google: “your privacy.”
Today, privacy really is a joke. Whether in person or through electronic devices, information and footage is constantly being shared with or without permission. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg.
Those hand held tracking devices that we feel lost without (foreshadowing for future blog post), have multiple ways to follow, influence and trick us. We continuously click “accept privacy policy” even though we didn’t even read the policy because our generation prefers pictures.
Through microphones, GPS and search history, Google has the ability to advertise products that were discussed over coffee or while singing in the shower.
It will also predict our next move or at least nudge us in the most desired direction based on past decisions. I already have people in my life who do that. I don’t need Google’s unsolicited advice too.
OK Google, I searched “how to make a hard boiled egg” one time and you won’t let me forget it.
Not only is there little privacy from cellphones and social media, but also when simply walking down the street. There are cameras located on every street corner, fence and front door. Not to mention, people with cellphones hoping to catch the next viral TikTok.
With the minimal privacy in this world, the least we can do is mute our mics…
In Eggcellently Enhanced, I altered an appearance. Today, my voice appeared unintentionally.
After two years of heavily relying on virtual platforms for meetings, happy hours and pants optional interactions, we should be able to manage video calls with our eyes closed. (Although that would defeat the purpose of the video feature).
They say practice makes perfect, but no matter how much time we spend on technology, practice makes peeved off people.
At work we continue to utilize Zoom and MS Teams for various types of meetings. However, majority of the staff do not have access to a camera. Some may call this cheap, but others may call this strategic.
One afternoon, I was preparing for a virtual care conference when the Nurse Team Lead pounded on my office door asking for help.
I followed her to the meeting room where she was attempting to set up the conference telephone and computer speaker for a family member to successfully join.
However, after much back and forth, I realized what she was trying to do even Kim would’ve found it impossible (Kim Possible reference for you non 90s babies).
I tried my best to explain to her that if the son was having difficulty logging onto the Zoom link, he could phone in instead. I then step by step explained how this would work.
While she frantically dialled his number, she asked me to explain to the team why were were running late. (Surely it wasn’t because I’m long winded).
I approached the computer to unmute us when the Occupational Therapist spoke up, “we can you hear you. We can hear everything you and her are saying. She’s not muted.”
Sweat dripped from my brow as my brain quickly played back everything I had said in the past 10 minutes before officially muting us.
Once I returned to the office after the son successfully connected, the OT reached out to me and said, “you were far more patient than I would have been.”
She hadn’t had the joy of helping seniors work video calls through the heart of the pandemic.
