In a year marked by a global pandemic, countless family gatherings have been disrupted, and wearing masks has become the norm. With the gradual rollout of vaccines, social distancing remains a reality, leading to the enduring presence of video conferencing. We’ve spent countless hours in virtual meetings, often asking others to mute or unmute themselves, learning more about colleagues’ personal spaces than we ever anticipated. It’s no wonder many of us are feeling drained. A recent study has unveiled several scientific explanations for this widespread “video call fatigue.”
Dr. Alex Thompson from the Virtual Interaction Research Institute has conducted a study examining the mental toll of extensive video call usage. The findings highlight four key issues that contribute to our collective aversion to platforms like Zoom.
Four Reasons Video Calls Are Draining
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Intense Eye Contact: The level of eye contact during video calls is abnormal. In a physical meeting, participants can glance around the room, but on video, everyone is focused on each other constantly. This creates an uncomfortable environment where listeners become speakers simply due to the scrutiny of their peers.
Solution: Dr. Thompson suggests minimizing the Zoom window size and using an external keyboard to create a more comfortable distance from the screen. -
Self-Observation Fatigue: Seeing yourself on camera during meetings is unnatural. Dr. Thompson likens it to having a mirror follow you around, which can be quite jarring.
Solution: He recommends modifying video settings to hide your self-view, allowing you to focus on the conversation without the constant distraction of your own appearance. -
Restricted Movement: Unlike in-person or phone conversations, video calls often confine you to a single location, limiting your natural movements.
Solution: Dr. Thompson advises participants to sit further away from the camera, allowing for more freedom of movement during discussions. Occasionally turning off the video can also provide a needed break. -
Increased Cognitive Load: Engaging in video conversations requires more mental effort than face-to-face interactions. Nonverbal cues are harder to interpret in a virtual setting, leading to exhaustion from constantly analyzing gestures and expressions.
Solution: Taking audio-only breaks during long meetings can help alleviate this cognitive strain, allowing for a brief respite from the visual demands of video chat.
Dr. Thompson is continuing to explore the phenomenon of video call fatigue. If you’re curious about your own experience with this issue, consider participating in his ongoing survey here.
Do you find yourself feeling fatigued after video calls?
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Summary
A new study reveals four main reasons behind video call fatigue: excessive eye contact, self-observation, limited movement, and increased cognitive load. Solutions include adjusting video settings, taking breaks, and rethinking your physical setup during calls. Research continues in this area, aiming to help individuals better manage their virtual interactions.