AI Enforcer: American offices are using AI to teach ‘meeting etiquettes’ in Zoom, Teams calls

AI is stepping into the world of video meetings to serve as a virtual etiquette enforcer. According to The Wall Street Journal, an increasing number of companies are deploying AI bots in their video meetings to assist with tasks like transcribing, summarizing, and even offering etiquette feedback to participants who may be dominating conversations or interrupting others. These AI bots can act as silent notetakers, providing meeting summaries for absentees or keeping official minutes for the group. In some instances, they go a step further, providing real-time feedback to speakers on their presentation styles. For example, a senior software development manager described an encounter with a Zoom behaviour bot that urged him to vary his pitch to keep the group engaged. However, this type of feedback may not always be relevant or welcomed, particularly in technical discussions that inherently require a more monotone presentation style. One of the key concerns raised by users is the eerie feeling of having AI bots in meetings. Some have likened it to having a conversation in a coffee shop while being observed by a pair of unblinking eyes staring out the window. This kind of encounter with silent AI bots can give off a dystopian vibe, and it raises questions about the impact on workplace dynamics. Despite the potential value of these bots in addressing issues like excessive interruptions or monotonous discussions, their lack of nuance and their silent, persistent presence can create awkward situations in meetings. While the intention is to improve meeting etiquette and dynamics, the reality sometimes feels unsettling or out of place. AI bots in video meetings represent a novel attempt to enhance the decorum of a meeting space, ensure that it isn’t dominated by one colleague and facilitate smoother interactions. However, they also raise questions about their appropriateness and effectiveness in different work contexts.