This is true. I've run a couple of co-ops and there's a huge difference in engagement when you mostly discuss tasks remotely and when you actually get together and do stuff in the same room.

I still haven't figured out why that is[1], and if there are aspects of it that can be recreated remotely.

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[1]: Some ideas I've had is that it's about sunk costs ("Now that I got my ass here anyway, I may as well contribute") or that there's a visual component (perhaps seeing a face triggers some responsibility chemistry in our brains?) or that it's harder to avoid persistent questions when you share a room with someone.

I've also speculated that eating together may enhance engagement, but I don't know if that acts as some sort of Skinnerian reward mechanism or if people feel cared for and that triggers their desire to care in return.