A tiny plea for more humanity in tech:

It is more important than ever to have a profile picture of your actual face. Maybe you’re groaning about this or thinking, “but Casey, my Bitmoji is adorable, have you even seen it?” Your Bitmoji likely is adorable, that sunset is beautiful, the young people in your life are beyond cute, and I am a big fan of seeing beloved pets… but not as your profile picture. 

The research confirms that a profile photo of your face humanizes our online interactions and after working with hundreds of people through online learning platforms, I can confirm that I *NEED* these profile photos. Do you know how many people named John & Jennifer I engage with on a daily basis? Your profile pictures are a gift. I also really need these photos to not be a glamorous version of you. Your face is very good and I want to see it. 

Curious about the research I’m referring to? Social presence in online learning communities: the role of personal profiles. h/t: Suzanne Judson-Whitehouse for sharing this research while I whined about how I wish people would just show their faces.