The 9 irritations of video calling

Now that social life consists of who you video call, you inevitably encounter irritations here too. It works just like the layer of coffee that is still in someone's cup and causes you to splash half the kitchen. And you will recognize this.

1. The echo

“I’m just getting some coffee (I’m just getting some coffee). How’s it going with you (how’s it going with you)? I really feel like having wine (I really feel like having wine).” This roughly describes three-quarters of my conversations. The instigator is someone who has the sound set to decibel thousand. The solution: video calling with earbuds. Life is that simple.

2. The weak connection

The score is roughly one in two. It usually alternates, but if you have two freezes at the same time, your irritation level goes from zero to a hundred in a second. “I can’t see you, you’re frozen, hello?” I dare bet you’ve uttered this compilation at least once last week.

3. The daydreamer

That you’re having a nice chat, that the person is actually visible, but you can see from their face that they are really doing totally (but seriously totally) different things. You can only manage this a little unnoticed in a call with more than three people. And yes, I’m guilty.

4. The Houseparty pooper

Snack time is really important now, because it provides stability. But then half of them are all dressed up (I seriously changed for a digital drink last week) and the other half is just not there. Why not? Did you have to go somewhere? Did you have something better to do? No, because I happen to know you’re just at home.

5. The unannounced caller

Because hello, why are you calling me without me knowing and my hair is still wobbling like a dried-up nest on my head? At least give me a heads up, so I don’t scare myself when I open the camera and can brush off the fluff and put on some mascara. Thank you.

6. The shaker

Put. That. Phone. Down. It suddenly strikes me how unstable people actually are, I’ve never noticed so many trembling hands, which makes me see a kind of bouncing being on my screen non-stop.

7. The ghosting on Houseparty

You’re sitting unsuspectingly slouched in your outfit on the couch catching up with your inner circle and suddenly a stranger pops up in the conversation. Houseparty is deadly scary if you don’t use the lock option. Fortunately, there’s always someone who knows who it is, which helps.

8. The runner

My Friday afternoon drink consisted of a ceiling, an empty chair, and a kitchen. Of course, I prefer this over someone taking me to the smallest room (hello person who did this, yes I’m talking about you). But I do get very restless from the runners, while you can still hear voices. It’s a schizophrenic affair, this video calling.

9. The silent caller

The last but certainly not least irritation in video call land. How the hell do I turn the call option back on for WhatsApp? It was off for me because I certainly wasn’t waiting for that. Until now. Send help.