Tag: zoom

Posted in Life

What if no one shows up?

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash

I host and facilitate a weekly online men’s bible study and discussion group. As host, I open up the Zoom room a few minutes before the scheduled start time and wait for everyone to join.

For some reason, it really feels strange being on Zoom all by myself. I sit there for a few moments and look at myself. I make sure I look okay. I brush my hair to the side. I make sure the lighting is okay. I make sure I’m not too close or far away from the camera. I shuffle my lesson papers around.

My mind starts to wonder.

  • What if no one else shows up? What if they all forget that we’re meeting today. I sent out reminders, so that doesn’t seem possible.
  • Maybe I set up the room wrong. No, that’s not possible. I don’t set up that part of the meeting.
  • Maybe everyone is traveling or sick, and can’t make it today. Would all fifteen guys would be indisposed on the same day? Doubtful.
  • Maybe the internet isn’t working right. I check my email. Everything is in order.

<Ding>

The first person shows up, and seconds later, more appear on my screen. All those thoughts drain from my mind, and our group is underway.

Years ago I had some similar analog thoughts. Analog means we actually met in person. I would open up for an appointment, meeting class, and then sit there wondering if anyone would show up. There were times when I got stood up for an appointment. No call, nothing, just a no show. A few of those and you start to get paranoid.

It really only happened a few times. But one time is enough to get your mind racing with all the “What ifs…”

Posted in bible, faith

The lights aren’t on, but someone is home

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Kajetan Sumila on Unsplash

When my friend Bedan from Kenya entered the Zoom last week, his box was black, as if he didn’t have his camera turned on. As he greeted the other guys in the group he explained that he had no power and therefore, no lights. His cell service was okay, so he used his phone as his camera and joined us for bible study. A few minutes later he turned on a flashlight. Now he could see his study notes and we could see him.

Our Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group meets at noon my time, but that means it’s 7:00 pm in Kenya. Bedan really wanted to be there that day. In fact, I don’t think he’s ever missed a meeting. I’m grateful for his commitment and faithfulness to our group. He’s also our oldest member, so he brings a lifetime of wisdom and faith to our discussions.

Some BSF groups are local and meet in person. Virtual groups bring together people from all over the United States and other countries. The mixture of cultures and experiences is a reminder of the size and diversity of the church.

Posted in flash fiction

A room full of emptiness

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

“I’m going to miss you guys.”

The final session of my online class had just ended. It was a group of guys who hailed from different states and a few who lived in other countries. Over the course of thirty weeks, we had gotten to know each other well, spending an hour together each week.

One by one each logged off. When the room was down to just me and one other person, I said, “The next time I’m up your way, I’ll reach out. Maybe I can stop by and we can grab a cup of coffee.”

He said “That sounds great.” And then I was there in the virtual room alone.

About an hour later, I got an email from the group leader discouraging me from trying to meet anyone from the group in person. When I asked why, he explained, “None of the people in this group actually exist. Everyone but you and I were generated and animated by artificial intelligence. It’s just a virtual group of guys.”

I read the email over and over. How could that be? When I signed up for a “virtual” class, I thought I’d learn with living, breathing people sitting at laptops just like me. There is no way that AI has come this far this fast!

I went back to the website where I signed up for the class. I read carefully through the terms and conditions until I reached a disclaimer that I had quickly skimmed and agreed to. “Augmented reality may be used to enhance discussion rooms.”

So none of this was real? None of the students exist? My classmates – and friends – were nothing more than sophisticated code and creative algorithms? On the one hand, the room was filled with some of the best friends I’ve ever had. On the other hand, it was an empty room.

I really am going to miss those guys.