COVID-19 and Videoconferencing Fatigue or ‘Zoom Fatigue’

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of us have switched to remote working and online school classes. There is a suite of videoconferencing software that has been utilized for this purpose, including, but not limited to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. While this has allowed us to continue to be productive at work and remain in contact with friends and family, spending too much time in front of a screen may be detrimental to wellbeing.

Fatigue from videoconferencing

People communicate not just with words, but also with non-verbal cues. For instance, meaning is conveyed when making eye contact, shrugging shoulders, or fidgeting with hands while another person is speaking. However, with videoconferencing, we are forced to pay close attention to pick up on these cues. Especially if the video of the speaker is unclear, or frames only their face and excludes other body parts such as their hands (which are an important part of non-verbal communication). This increases the cognitive burden, which fatigues us more easily.

Videoconferencing software typically have a self-view pane, which shows what we look like on screen. This makes us more self-conscious and can be taxing if sustained for long periods of time (referred to as ‘self-focused attention’ by psychologists). People are also limited to the view of the camera, which restricts our movement, unlike an in-person meeting, where we might be able to move around. Having the flexibility to stretch and loosen up reduces fatigue and helps recharge us physically and mentally

All of this is happening in the context of a pandemic, which means that many of us already have a pre-existing level of stress or anxiety. We may be working at home, which means family life can overlap with work life. This underlying stress may be exacerbated by videoconferencing fatigue.

Susceptibility to videoconferencing fatigue

Videoconferencing fatigue (also referred to as 'Zoom Fatigue', which is exhaustion felt after back-to-back online meetings) appears to be more common among women, according to new research out of Stanford. The primary reason for this appears to be an increase in self-focused attention (triggered by the self-view pane). Other possible reasons discussed by the authors include the longer duration of women’s meetings and their tendency to take fewer breaks between meetings. Other groups of people who may be vulnerable include people who are anxious, introverts, younger individuals, and people of color.

Pearls to deal with videoconferencing fatigue

• Occasionally, switch off the video during meetings. Alternatively, keep the video turned on, but use the ‘hide self-view’ option so you cannot see yourself on the screen.
• During longer meetings, turn off your video and look away from the screen, while still listening to the conversation. This mimics the natural flow of in-person conversations, where we are not paying full attention all the time.
• Give your eyes a break. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes spent looking at your screen, look at something 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
• During a videoconferencing meeting, minimize distractions such as other windows, chats, and emails in the background.
• Make sure to take frequent breaks every so often. Stretch, get up, walk around for a few minutes.
• If possible, implement a no-video meeting day at least once a week.
• Take time to socialize with your colleagues and celebrate milestones! This may help weaken negative feelings associated with the use of videoconferencing software.

• During your downtime, stay offline as much as possible. Engage in relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, reading a book, or spending time with the family.

Remember that you can figure out a schedule with your colleagues that works best for you. In the meantime, continue practicing the measures as recommended by the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, detailed here.

Sources: Stanford University – Zoom Fatigue | New York Times – Zoom Fatigue | Zoom Blog
Contributors: Dr. Amit Abraham, Dr. Karima Chaabna, Dr. Sohaila Cheema
Editing: Mr. John Hayward