Google Hanging Out

I have been spending an inordinate amount of time in Google Hangouts, mostly with people I met online. In fact, almost exclusively with people I met online. For the most part, we discuss whatever's on our mind just as we would in any telephone conversation or through e-mail. However, you can see one another, which brings a whole new level to the conversation.

Now you can see their expressions when you say something or broach a topic -- the kinds of cues that tell you to back off or that someone is excited about whatever it is you have to say. It also makes for a more lively discussion because you can see all the body language, gesticulations, and eyerolls you can't see in other forms of communication.

Skype used to have something similar to Google Hangouts until Microsoft bought it; MS quickly monetized the shit out of it and eliminated most of the best features. However, Skype is not without its benefits. Still, I have to admit, I have found no real benefits over Google Hangouts.

© C Harris Lynn, 2012