While there are a number of advantages to videoconferencing technology like Zoom, there is also a heavy toll that it can take on an individual, leading to what is now commonly known as Zoom fatigue. According to researcher and educator Jeremy Bailenson, PhD, there are a number of reasons that this type of communication has many people exhausted by their daily Zoom calls.
What Is Zoom Fatigue?
Zoom fatigue can feel very similar to traditional burnout—a common occurrence in “normal’ times—but is a specific type of exhaustion that occurs in response to the increased need for videoconferencing throughout the day for people working remotely. Some of this strain is surely a general response to what has become a global mental health crisis. But in an article published in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior, Bailenson discusses four primary contributors to the exhaustion that is often felt after Zoom calls, including forced closeness and simulation of eye contact, exaggerated gestures, limited mobility, and self-focus.
Forced Closeness and Simulation of Eye Contact
In most relationships, behavior such as standing close to someone else, making direct eye contact, and then sustaining said eye contact is reserved for particular people and intimate situations. However, engaging in Zoom meetings force participants to do the exact opposite, sustaining contact with colleagues and sometimes even strangers. In “speaker” view, where the speaker’s face is smaller and on top of the large image of the other users, Bailenson measured the distance between himself and others he was speaking with. The size of the speaker’s face on the screen really just simulates the direct eye contact, which is exhausting for the brain to keep up with. Bailenson says, “My best advice is to shrink the Zoom screen. Instead of having it take up the entire screen, minimize it to about one third of the screen. Then, the faces are no longer huge when they stare at you.”
Exaggerated Gestures
Nonverbal communication is a very important aspect of relationships and connection, but over Zoom we are forced to not only send and receive an abundance of these nonverbal cues, but decipher which we are actually supposed to respond to. In a face-to-face conversation, you can deduce what a side glance or a smirk means. Over a video conference, oftentimes an individual’s nonverbal gestures have nothing to do with the conversation at hand, or the gestures do not match up. “One of the things I worry about is that the medium is changing the way we communicate. Think about the exaggerated nods and the holding one’s thumb up. How long until those become tools we use in everyday, face-to-face interaction?” Bailenson says.
Being Stuck in One Place
In order to be seen, Zoom participants are forced to remain in one spot for the duration of their meeting. Under normal circumstances, there is more freedom of movement—you may be allowed to pace, walk down the hall, go to the bathroom without excusing yourself, spin around in your chair—several things we likely took for granted prior to these virtual conferences. Now, because there is an expectation of proper Zoom etiquette, individuals who have their cameras on are expected to be effectively statuesque for the duration of a meeting.
Self-Focus
Another factor that can result in exhaustion is the idea of being able to see yourself for long periods of time, potentially preoccupying or worrying yourself with your appearance. While there is presently no data to discuss the effects of looking at yourself all day on Zoom, previous studies have examined the effect that self-focus has. In one study, for example, women responded negatively to being shown photos and videos of themselves.
How to Combat Zoom Fatigue
Katie Moffitt, MSW, gives some suggestions for those who are obligated to deal with longstanding Zoom meetings.
If You’re a Participant
Engage on your own terms. If you are not obligated to be on camera, then don’t! You can most certainly be an active participant even if your video is off. If you have control over your schedule, exercise it. If possible, set your weekly calendar up in a way that feels good to you. Limit the number of meetings and build in breaks between your meetings. Don’t overload your days if you don’t have to! Take time away from your desk. Working from home has removed breaks we would normally consider a part of work. Eat, walk, listen to something relaxing or upbeat. The main thing is to step away from the computer as it relates to work. If we were working from our offices we would get up to get water, eat in the “lunchroom,” walk down the hall to ask a question, or chat with a coworker.
If You’re Facilitating a Zoom Space
Most people are struggling in one way or another, so expressing where you are and letting folks know that you are all on the same page can go a long way to easing some of that fatigue, Moffitt says.
Acknowledge your own level of fatigue.Build in breaks for your participants, and use various methods to check in with folks and ask the group if they need a break.End early if you can.Utilize breakout rooms (this will help both participants and the facilitator).
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page. Ultimately, taking these steps will not only help you feel better, but may also make you more productive in the long run.
