Webcams used to be popularly associated with adult websites but have now become an important tool used in business and schooling. Today, computers and even smartphones have a front-facing camera that can be used to make videos and be in online video meetings as well.
Webcams are also an essential digital educational tool for flipped classroom learning that involves the use of video. Although webcams can be used to make engaging video content and interactions, they have their cons as well.
The following are the pros and cons of webcams.
Pros
- Better communication
With a webcam, communication is made easier as you can see the person you’re conversing with, as opposed to the regular texting or email. The importance of this is that you can tell the other person’s expressions better with body language and cues and you tend to be more emotionally intelligent while on video than over text, improving relationships. Hence, with webcams, you tend to have fewer issues with your partner or any other person compared to a conversation over a text.
- Convenience and cost-saving
With a webcam, you can easily create videos as you just have to turn on your video, look into the camera and record yourself. Making videos like these for a business strategy can help you boost your profile and sales. Although the video quality from webcams is is not of better quality than a professional video, if you don’t have a good quality camera, this works just as fine.
- Innovation
Webcams have now been extensively used in the field of innovation. Doctors and other medical practitioners are now making use of webcams to provide services to rural areas which don’t have access to proper healthcare services. Insurance companies also make use of this to prevent fraudulent activities.
Cons
- You should not always use your webcams
Sure, it’s yours and on your computer. However, it’s not advisable to always make use of your webcams. For instance, if you are in a messy environment or you’re not properly dressed, turning in your webcam can be disastrous as you tend to look very unprofessional. People would get disinterested in whatever you have to say. Webcams can also expose you when you have something to hide.
- Your security and privacy is not totally guaranteed
Hacking activities are carried out way easier with a webcam as it can allow a hacker to spy on you and your activities. This can be detrimental to your well-being and privacy especially if the hacker is doing this to exploit you or for entertainment purposes. If you would still like to have a webcam, get one that signals to you when it is in use or active. You can also place a sticky tape over the lens when it’s not in use or unplug it totally.
Conclusion
Webcams are wonderful tools used in videoconferencing and interactions. Like every other tool, it has its advantages and disadvantages. If you own and use a webcam, make good use of the tips in this article to protect yourself.
