It’s been over a year since the pandemic began, leading to countless canceled or modified family gatherings and the ongoing necessity of masks. As vaccinations are distributed across the country, social distancing remains a priority, which means Zoom meetings are a permanent fixture in our lives. We’ve spent a year reminding others to mute or unmute themselves, discovering far more about our colleagues’ home decor than we ever anticipated—and let’s face it, many of us are just fed up. A recent study highlights four scientific reasons behind what we now call “Zoom fatigue.”
In a study conducted by Dr. Alex Kingston from the Virtual Interaction Lab at Stanford University, the mental toll of excessive video conferencing was examined. The findings reveal four main issues contributing to our dislike of Zoom calls.
Four Reasons You Dislike Zoom:
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Overwhelming Eye Contact
The level of eye contact during video chats is intense and unnatural. Unlike in-person meetings, where participants can glance around the room, Zoom forces everyone to look directly at each other all the time, which can lead to discomfort.
Solution: Dr. Kingston suggests minimizing your Zoom window to reduce the size of faces on screen and using an external keyboard to create a sense of personal space. -
Constant Self-View Fatigue
Seeing yourself on camera throughout a meeting can feel unnatural and draining. It’s akin to having a mirror following you around, which would be quite odd in real life.
Solution: Dr. Kingston recommends that video chat platforms allow users to hide their self-view. You can easily do this by right-clicking on your image. -
Limited Movement
Unlike in-person conversations or phone calls, Zoom restricts your ability to move freely. Staying in one spot can feel constricting and unnatural.
Solution: Consider adjusting your seating position and sitting farther from the camera. This will allow for more natural movement, just like in face-to-face meetings. Turning off your video occasionally can also provide a much-needed break. -
Increased Cognitive Load
The effort required to interpret and communicate nonverbal cues over video is significantly higher than in person. This constant scanning for social signals can be exhausting.
Solution: During lengthy meetings, take “audio-only” breaks. This allows you to step away from the visual cues and gives your brain a chance to rest.
Dr. Kingston continues to explore the phenomenon of video fatigue. If you’re curious about your own Zoom fatigue levels, consider participating in this survey.
Have you noticed yourself feeling drained after virtual meetings?
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In summary, a year of extensive video calling has led to significant psychological strain, termed “Zoom fatigue.” Research identifies four main issues: overwhelming eye contact, constant self-view fatigue, limited movement, and increased cognitive load. Adjusting your video settings and taking breaks can help alleviate some of this stress. Explore more about home insemination and related topics for a well-rounded understanding.
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